BINNENDIJK - Cornwall & Devon

The Binnendijk is a proper behemoth of a wreck, and that’s why we love it. Sunk by a mine in 1939, this 121-meter steamship sits upright on the seabed at 25m, practically begging to be explored. You drop down onto the stern, which is still impressively intact, with the deck guns providing an immediate focal point. We always make a point of heading into the aft holds, where the light plays through the gaps and you can sometimes spot conger eels tucked away in the shadows. What sets the Binnendijk apart is the scale; you can spend an entire dive exploring just one section and still not see everything. The bow section, though more broken, has some fantastic nooks and crannies for lobster and crabs. Our favourite time to dive it is on a slack tide, naturally, but if you catch it just right, the mild current can actually help with visibility, clearing out some of the suspended particulate. Expect good numbers of wrasse, pollack, and sometimes even a curious seal giving you the once-over. It’s a site for the experienced wreck diver who appreciates a bit of history and a lot of metal to poke around.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.535500, -2.334550
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Wreck History - BINNENDIJK

Year Sunk
1939
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown
Tonnage
6,873 GRT

The SS Binnendijk was a proud cargo steamship of the Holland America Line and one of the company's first to be powered by modern steam turbines. Launched in 1921, she served trade routes for nearly two decades, a testament to Dutch engineering and maritime commerce. Her peaceful career came to an abrupt end at the very beginning of World War II. In October 1939, just a month after the war began, the Binnendijk became the first vessel the Holland America Line would lose, a harbinger of the immense shipping losses to come.

On October 7th, 1939, while navigating the English Channel, the Binnendijk struck a German-laid mine off the coast of Dorset. The explosion was catastrophic, and despite the crew's efforts, the ship succumbed to its wounds and sank the following day. She was carrying a general cargo, and her loss marked one of the earliest Allied merchant casualties of the war at sea.

Today, the wreck is affectionately known to the UK diving community as "The Benny." Lying at a depth of 25 meters, the 122-meter-long vessel is a popular and impressive dive. Although the years have taken their toll, the wreck is still recognizable, with its boilers, engine, and hull structure providing a fascinating playground for exploration. The site is teeming with life, including large shoals of bib, pollack, and the classic wreck-dwelling conger eels and lobsters, making it a premier destination for divers exploring the rich maritime history of the English Channel.

Marine Protected Area: Studland to Portland

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 BINNENDIJK

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 BINNENDIJK

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