BETTANN (BOW SECTION) - Cornwall & Devon

The Bettann's bow section is a moody, often challenging dive, but one we always enjoy. Dropping onto it at 41 metres, the first thing that hits you is the sheer sense of scale, even for just a bow. The visibility here can be a real lottery; we’ve had days where you can make out the entire structure from 10 metres above, and others where it’s a slow reveal from the gloom. What makes it special is the way the wreck has settled, almost upright, creating these deep, shadowed internal spaces. Penetrating just a few metres into the holds, you'll find conger eels the size of your thigh, tucked into every nook. Our favourite part is exploring the anchor chains and the foredeck, which is absolutely covered in jewel anemones, a vibrant contrast to the rusting steel. It's a dive that demands experience and good conditions, but for those who make the effort, it offers a real sense of adventure and some fantastic photographic opportunities.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.602833, -0.956683
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
41m

Wreck History - BETTANN (BOW SECTION)

Year Sunk
1967
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
foundered

The story of the motor vessel Bettann is a tale of two dives. In January 1967, the ship began taking on water and was forced to anchor in St Helen's Roads. Despite the crew's efforts, the sea won, and the Bettann slipped beneath the waves on January 19th. The vessel came to rest in a position that posed a hazard to navigation, prompting a salvage operation.

During the salvage attempt, the decision was made to cut the vessel in two. This bow section was intended to be raised and towed away, but the operation did not go as planned, and it now rests on the seabed. For divers, this creates a fascinating and challenging dive. Lying at a depth of 41 metres, the bow of the Bettann is a dive reserved for experienced, qualified divers. The structure offers a compelling exploration of a vessel torn apart not by war, but by the forces of the sea and the hands of man.

Marine Protected Area: Utopia

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 BETTANN (BOW SECTION)

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 BETTANN (BOW SECTION)

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