BEN BLANCHE - Cornwall & Devon

We’ve always had a soft spot for the Ben Blanche, a little iron steamship that went down in 1931. It’s a shallow dive, maxing out at three metres, which makes it perfect for a relaxed second dive or when the weather's a bit choppy further out. What we love here is how the wreck, despite its age, still holds its shape surprisingly well. You can trace the lines of the hull, parts of the superstructure, and even the single boiler. Our favourite time to visit is on a slack tide, with a bit of sunshine filtering down; the light plays beautifully on the rust-coloured metal. Schools of juvenile pollack often use the wreck for shelter, darting in and out of the crevices. We’ve also spotted plenty of dogfish nestled amongst the plates, and the anemones here are particularly vibrant, speckling the ironwork with colour. It’s a gentle exploration, a real step back in time, and just a genuinely peaceful place to spend an hour underwater. This spot is definitely one for those who appreciate history and don't need roaring currents or deep drops to enjoy a dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.550453, -4.263657
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - BEN BLANCHE

Year Sunk
1933
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The SS Ben Blanche began her life in 1891 as the Sarah Blanche, an iron-hulled steamship built by J. Fullerton & Co. For over 40 years, this modest vessel, powered by a 55-horsepower compound steam engine, reliably transported goods around the British Isles. Her story is one of routine maritime commerce, a stark contrast to the dramatic end she would meet off the rugged Cornish coast.

In December 1933, the Ben Blanche was caught in a severe gale. Battered by fierce winds and massive waves, she was driven ashore and wrecked. Today, her remains lie scattered in just 3 meters of water, making her one of the most accessible wrecks in the region. This shallow depth means the site can be explored by novice divers, freedivers, and even snorkelers on a calm day. Over the decades, the sea has flattened much of her structure, but divers can still identify her boiler, engine components, and sections of iron hull plating, all now colonized by kelp and home to a variety of coastal marine life.

Marine Protected Area: Gower

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to BEN BLANCHE

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BEN BLANCHE

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Blanche shipwreck dive site?
The Blanche shipwreck dive site, also known as the Ben Blanche, has a maximum depth of 3 meters. This makes it a very shallow wreck dive, accessible to many divers.
What marine life and wreckage can divers expect to see at the Blanche dive site?
Divers exploring the Ben Blanche shipwreck can expect to see the remains of an iron steam ship, built in 1891 and sunk in 1933. The wreck, measuring 39.6m x 6.4m, shows portions of its hull or superstructure, including a 2-cylinder compound engine, single shaft, and one boiler. Specific marine life details for this site are not provided in the current data, but wrecks often attract local species.
How challenging is the Blanche shipwreck dive for recreational divers?
The Ben Blanche shipwreck dive is classified as intermediate in difficulty for recreational divers. This suggests that while it's not overly complex, divers should possess good buoyancy control and some experience beyond entry-level certifications to safely enjoy the site.
What is the best time of year to dive the Blanche shipwreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Ben Blanche shipwreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Cornwall & Devon area, we recommend consulting broader when to dive resources.
What diving certifications are typically required to explore the Blanche shipwreck?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers exploring the Ben Blanche shipwreck would typically need at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for wreck diving, even at its shallow depth of 3 meters.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Blanche shipwreck dive site?
The provided data for the Ben Blanche shipwreck does not include specific details regarding typical currents or visibility conditions. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on these factors.