BESS MITCHELL

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - BESS MITCHELL offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 1m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Bess Mitchell is a tricky one, and we're being honest, it's not a dive for everyone. This schooner went missing in 1921, and its remains were eventually found scattered near Roque au Nord, Guernsey. It’s marked as a dangerous wreck, and rightly so. What's left of her is very broken up, often just ribs and plates rising from the seabed, but that's precisely what we love about it – the raw history. You'll spend your time here exploring a debris field rather than a cohesive wreck. We've found the best approach is to take it slow, really looking into the nooks and crannies. Expect to see lots of pouting and dogfish tucked amongst the wreckage, and if you have a keen eye, conger eels can be coaxed out of the larger sections of collapsed hull. The currents around here can be fierce, so we always plan our dive for slack water; otherwise, you'll be flying past what little remains. This site really suits those who appreciate the story more than the structure, divers who enjoy picking through history’s bones.

Typical BESS MITCHELL Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today06:2517:3011h 5m daylightGolden hour 16:47

BESS MITCHELL Wreck History

Year Sunk

1921

Vessel Type

schooner

Cause

unknown

The fate of the schooner Bess Mitchell is a maritime mystery from the age of sail. The vessel was reported missing on September 15, 1921, having vanished without a trace or a distress call. The only clue to its demise was the discovery of wreckage near Roque au Nord, Guernsey, suggesting the ship was lost suddenly and violently, likely overwhelmed by a storm in the treacherous waters of the English Channel. Today, the remains of the Bess Mitchell lie in just one meter of water, a testament to the power of the sea. After a century of being worked by tides and currents, the wreck is completely broken and scattered. It is less of a structural dive and more of a historical scatter site, offering a poignant glimpse into the perils faced by sailors in the early 20th century.