BENVENUE (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Alright, let's talk about the *Benvenue*. Or, more accurately, the *Probably Benvenue*, because even after all these years, there's still a bit of a mystery about this wreck off Cornwall. What we do know is that she was a wooden sailing vessel, built in Kincardine in 1856, and she met her end in 1870 after a rough passage home. She sits shallow, just 7 metres down, making her an ideal spot for a leisurely dive. When you drop down, you’ll find the timbers are well-scattered now, worn smooth by the currents and time. It’s not one of those intact wrecks you swim through, but rather a fascinating archaeological site. We love tracing the lines of what was once her hull, imagining the sheer scale of the ship. Look closely among the wreckage, and you’ll spot all sorts of local residents – crabs tucked into crevices, flatfish camouflaged against the sand, and sea squirts coating the remaining wood. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers wanting to capture the textures of the old timber, or for anyone who enjoys a bit of history beneath the waves without the challenges of deeper, more exposed sites. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm day when the sun can really penetrate the water, highlighting the colours of the kelp and anenomes that now call the *Benvenue* home.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.664165, -0.673333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Wreck History - BENVENUE (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1870
Vessel Type
sailing ship
Cause
storm
Tonnage
999 GRT

The Benvenue was a wooden sailing vessel, a three-masted clipper built in 1856 in Kinkardine, Scotland. In an era when steam was beginning to dominate, such ships were the pinnacle of sailing technology, renowned for their speed and grace. Owned by Wright & Co., the Benvenue was tasked with carrying cargo on demanding routes, including the journey from Penarth in Wales to the bustling port of London.

In March of 1870, while on that very passage, the Benvenue encountered the ferocious weather for which the English Channel is notorious. A severe storm battered the ship, delaying its journey and ultimately driving it toward the coast. On March 23, the vessel was overcome by the elements and wrecked. Its fate is a classic tale from the age of sail, a reminder of the thousands of ships that were lost to the treacherous currents and shifting sandbanks that line the approaches to the Thames Estuary.

Lying at a depth of 7 meters, the remains of the Benvenue are a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era. After more than 150 years on the seabed, the wooden structure has largely succumbed to the sea, but divers can still trace the outline of the hull and discover surviving metal fittings like pins and brackets. The shallow depth allows for long, relaxed dives, providing ample time to explore the wreckage and imagine the final, dramatic moments of this beautiful sailing ship.

Marine Protected Area: Selsey, East 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 BENVENUE (PROBABLY)

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 BENVENUE (PROBABLY)

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