BIZON (POSSIBLY)

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) - BIZON (POSSIBLY) 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 46m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Bizon (Possibly) is a proper deep dive, sitting at 46 metres, making it one for experienced wreck heads with the right training. She was part of a German convoy in 1944, sunk by British MTBs – that history adds a real edge to the dive. We love the way the Bizon rests, mostly intact considering her age and wartime end. What you find down there is a classic steel wreck, draped in the usual Southwest favourites: plumose anemones, dead man's fingers, and plenty of jewel anemones adding splashes of colour. You’ll often spot conger eels poking out from crevices, and big wrasse patrol the decks. We’d suggest a good torch, as the light penetration at this depth can be limited, even on a sunny day. The currents here can be tricky, so picking your slack water window is crucial for an enjoyable dive. This isn't a beginner's wreck, but for those with the skills, it's a fantastic piece of history and a vibrant artificial reef.

Typical BIZON (POSSIBLY) Dive Profile

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

Safety Notes

Maximum depth 46m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.

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

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:2517:3011h 5m daylightGolden hour 16:46

BIZON (POSSIBLY) Wreck History

Year Sunk

1944

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

military action

The Bizon was a German steamship pressed into service during the Second World War. On May 8th, 1944, just a month before the D-Day landings, she was part of a convoy steaming towards St. Peter Port in the occupied Channel Islands. The English Channel was a lethal hunting ground, and the convoy was intercepted by a squadron of four aggressive British Motor Torpedo Boats (MTBs). In the ensuing nighttime battle, the Bizon was hit and sank, taking her wartime cargo to the seabed.

Resting at a depth of 46 metres, the wreck tentatively identified as the Bizon is a challenging but rewarding dive for experienced, tech-certified divers. The vessel's 58-metre-long hull lies in the often-turbulent waters off the English coast, a region notorious for its strong currents and variable visibility. Divers exploring the site can trace the outlines of a wartime steamship, now heavily colonized by marine life. The uncertain identity adds a layer of mystery, inviting visiting divers to look for clues that might finally confirm if this is indeed the final resting place of the Bizon.