BIZON (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.400770, -2.460483
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
46m

Wreck History - BIZON (POSSIBLY)

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.

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 BIZON (POSSIBLY)

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 BIZON (POSSIBLY)

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