BLEAMOOR (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

Bleamoor, or what we’re pretty sure is Bleamoor, is a serious wreck dive. She sits upright, pretty much intact, at 48 metres. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, then glide along the deck towards the bridge, which is usually where we hang out, spotting big conger eels tucked into every crevice. We love the scale of her, a proper steamship from 1902, three boilers still very much present, and the triple-expansion engine a looming silhouette in the gloom. This isn’t a beginner’s playground; you'll want solid deep wreck experience and a good head for navigation in potentially low visibility. But for those who love a bit of history and a challenging dive, Bleamoor delivers. There are always dogfish resting on the plates, and the resident pollack often swim right up to your mask, curious about the bubbles. Our best advice? Pick a day with minimal swell and slack tide for the best chance of decent light penetration and an easier ascent.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.360850, -3.411400
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
48m

Wreck History - BLEAMOOR (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
3,755 GRT

The SS Bleamoor was a 3,755-ton steamship built in 1902 by the famous Sunderland shipbuilders, William Doxford & Sons. As part of the Moor Line fleet, she was a typical British tramp steamer of the era, transporting vital goods across the globe. With the outbreak of the First World War, her routine voyages became fraught with peril as German U-boats began to stalk the Allied shipping lanes.

On November 27, 1917, the Bleamoor was on a critical wartime passage from Barry, Wales, to Gibraltar, carrying a full cargo of coal. Her journey was violently interrupted when she was targeted by the German submarine U-96. A single torpedo struck the vessel, sealing her fate. The Bleamoor sank beneath the waves, becoming another casualty of the relentless war at sea.

Today, the wreck of the Bleamoor lies at a depth of 48 meters. This is a challenging dive reserved for experienced, certified technical divers. Those who make the descent are rewarded with the sight of a substantial WWI-era wreck, a sombre monument to the merchant mariners who risked their lives to supply the war effort. The vessel is largely intact, and divers can explore its decaying superstructure, boilers, and triple-expansion engine, paying their respects to a ship lost in conflict.

Marine Protected Area: Berry Head to Sharkham Point

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 BLEAMOOR (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 BLEAMOOR (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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Bleamoor dive site?
The maximum depth of the Bleamoor dive site is 48 meters. This depth makes it an intriguing dive for those with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Bleamoor wreck?
The Bleamoor is a fascinating steam ship wreck, built in 1902 and sunk in 1917. Divers can explore its impressive structure, which includes three boilers, a triple expansion engine, and a single shaft. The vessel's substantial dimensions of 104.2m x 14.3m offer a vast area to discover, and as a wreck, it typically attracts a variety of local marine species.
How challenging is the Bleamoor wreck dive, and is it suitable for advanced divers?
The Bleamoor wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. While suitable for experienced divers, its depth of 48 meters means that advanced certification and proper training for deep diving are highly recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What are the optimal weather and sea conditions, and best time of year, for diving the Bleamoor wreck?
The provided data does not specify optimal weather, sea conditions, or the best time of year for diving the Bleamoor wreck. For general guidance on planning your dive trips, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section and local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for up-to-date conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Bleamoor wreck?
Given the Bleamoor wreck's maximum depth of 48 meters and intermediate difficulty, divers should possess certifications appropriate for deep diving. This typically includes an advanced open water certification along with specialized deep diver training to safely explore this site.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at the Bleamoor dive site?
The available data for the Bleamoor dive site does not include specific information on typical currents or visibility. Conditions can vary greatly depending on local weather and tides in Cornwall & Devon. It is always best to check with local dive centers for the most current conditions before planning your dive.