BIZON (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Bizon, or what we’re fairly sure is the Bizon, is a proper dive for those who love a bit of history and a decent depth. Lying at 50 metres, it's not a shallow potter, but the rewards are there if you're comfortable with the depth and a bit of chill in the water. She was a steamship, sunk in 1944 during a British MTB attack, and you can really feel that wartime story when you're down there. We love dropping onto the stern and working our way forward. The visibility here can be surprisingly good on the right day, letting you pick out the deck structures and the general shape of the 57-metre hull. Our favourite part is probably the midships, where the steam engine used to be. It's collapsed now, but it's a fantastic haven for conger eels, and you'll often find them peering out from every nook and cranny. The wreck itself has become a hard-working artificial reef. Expect to see plump wrasse patrolling the decks, a good smattering of dead man's fingers, and always a few curious pollack darting in and out of the shadows. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, letting the story and the marine life unfold around you.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.363030, -2.463139
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Wreck History - BIZON (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1944
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
military action

Lost in the chaotic naval skirmishes of World War II, the German steamship Bizon met its end on May 8th, 1944. While steaming in a convoy to the occupied Channel Island of Guernsey, it was ambushed by four British Motor Torpedo Boats. The swift, audacious attack proved fatal, and the 58-metre vessel slipped beneath the waves. The exact location of the Bizon has been a subject of debate for decades, with more than one wreck site in the area bearing a tentative identification.

This particular site, lying at a depth of 50 metres, is another strong candidate for the lost vessel. It's a dive reserved for deep-certified, technical divers prepared for the demanding conditions of the English Channel. The wreck represents a fascinating piece of underwater detective work. Exploring its deteriorating structure, divers are not just witnessing a piece of history, but are actively participating in the ongoing effort to solve a wartime mystery. Every detail, from the shape of the boilers to the layout of the deck, could be the key to confirming its true name.

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 (PROBABLY)

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 (PROBABLY)

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