BOBBYB - Cornwall & Devon

The *Bobby B* is just pure fun, a small fishing vessel sitting upright and almost completely intact in about 17 metres of water. We love it because it’s so accessible; no tricky currents, no huge depths, just a really pleasant dive on a proper wreck. You can swim right through the wheelhouse, poke your head into the engine room, and even peer down into the holds where the fishing gear is still tangled. It’s got a lovely, slightly eerie vibe, especially when the light filters down through the superstructure. The deck is covered in colourful jewel anemones and dead man’s fingers, and you’ll usually find conger eels tucked into every dark crevice. We’ve seen huge schools of pollock circling above, and often a few inquisitive dogfish rummaging in the sand around the bow. It’s a brilliant site for newer wreck divers or anyone who just fancies a relaxed potter around a charming bit of history. Try to hit it on a slack tide for the best visibility, which can vary quite a bit in this part of the world, but even in murkier conditions, the close-knit structure of the *Bobby B* still makes for an engaging dive.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.599750, -1.911650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Wreck History - BOBBYB

Year Sunk
2004
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
storm

A relatively modern addition to Cornwall's underwater landscape, the FV Bobby B was a working fishing vessel that met its end in the challenging waters off Porthleven. In January 2004, the boat was caught in heavy seas and began taking on water faster than the pumps could handle. A distress call was made, and in a successful operation, the Penlee lifeboat crew rescued all hands from the stricken vessel before it succumbed to the waves and sank.

Resting at a manageable depth of 17 meters, the Bobby B is an excellent wreck dive for novices and experienced divers alike. Unlike older, more broken-up wrecks, much of its structure is still recognizable, offering a fascinating glimpse into the layout of a modern fishing boat. The wreck has quickly become a thriving artificial reef, with its wheelhouse and deck gear now draped in marine life and patrolled by schools of fish. As with many fishing vessel wrecks, it is classified as 'Dangerous' due to the potential for entanglement in leftover nets and lines, so divers should proceed with caution and proper equipment.

Marine Protected Area: Studland Cliffs

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 BOBBYB

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 BOBBYB

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