BEN REIN - Cornwall & Devon

The Ben Rein, for us, is a proper wreck dive, the kind that whispers stories as you descend. Lying at 59 metres, this steamship went down after hitting a mine in 1941. We love that raw piece of history. The wreck itself is compact, just 32 metres long, making it feel intimate rather than overwhelming. It’s the details that get us: the single boiler is still prominent, often shrouded in a cloud of jewel anemones, their tiny tentacles a riot of orange and pink against the aged metal. Look closely and you’ll spot dogfish tucked into crevices and ling snaking through the remains of the holds. Visibility can be a challenge, as with many UK wrecks, so pick a calm day with neap tides if you can. It’s certainly a site for experienced cold-water divers, but the reward is a tangible connection to wartime history and a vibrant artificial reef.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.097065, -4.965116
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
59m

Wreck History - BEN REIN

Year Sunk
1941
Vessel Type
steamship
Cause
mine
Tonnage
245 GRT

Built in 1905 by J. Fullerton & Co in Paisley, the SS Ben Rein was a 245-ton coastal steamship that served for decades before the outbreak of the Second World War. Powered by a 27-horsepower compound expansion engine, she was a small but sturdy vessel, transporting cargo around the British Isles. In February 1941, with the Battle of the Atlantic raging, she was undertaking a short coastal passage from Plymouth to Falmouth, a route fraught with danger from German U-boats, aircraft, and naval mines.

On the 17th of February 1941, her luck ran out. While steaming off the Cornish coast, the Ben Rein struck a German-laid mine and sank quickly. The sudden and violent nature of her loss left little time for her crew to escape. She joined the countless other merchant vessels on the seabed that form the 'ghost fleet' of WWII.

Resting at a depth of 59 metres, the Ben Rein is a challenging technical dive reserved for experienced, suitably qualified divers. The depth requires careful planning, mixed gases, and decompression stops. Those who make the descent are rewarded with the sight of a largely intact early 20th-century steamship. Divers can explore the ship's boiler and engine, identify features on the deck, and observe the deep-water marine life that now encrusts the wreck. It is a sombre and rewarding dive that serves as a tangible link to the perils of wartime maritime trade.

Marine Protected Area: Carricknath Point to Porthbean Beach

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 REIN

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 REIN

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 BEN REIN shipwreck dive site?
The BEN REIN shipwreck dive site has a maximum depth of 59 meters. This deep wreck offers an exciting challenge for appropriately certified divers exploring the waters off Cornwall & Devon.
What kind of marine life and artifacts can divers expect to see at the BEN REIN wreck?
The BEN REIN is a steam ship vessel, sunk in 1941, measuring 32m x 6.4m. Divers can expect to explore the remains of its structure, including its single boiler and compound expansion engine. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks like the BEN REIN often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species over time.
How challenging is diving the BEN REIN shipwreck for recreational divers?
Diving the BEN REIN shipwreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a maximum depth of 59 meters, it requires divers to have advanced training and experience beyond basic recreational limits. Proper planning and appropriate equipment are essential for a safe and enjoyable dive on this historic wreck.
What is the best time of year to dive the BEN REIN wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the BEN REIN wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the United Kingdom, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the BEN REIN shipwreck?
Given the BEN REIN's maximum depth of 59 meters and its classification as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, advanced scuba diving certifications are required. Divers should possess certifications such as PADI Deep Diver, TDI Advanced Nitrox, or equivalent technical diving qualifications to safely explore this site. Always dive within your training and experience limits when visiting the BEN REIN.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the BEN REIN dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical currents or visibility conditions at the BEN REIN dive site. Divers planning to visit this wreck in Cornwall & Devon should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before their dive.