BORDER KNIGHT - Cornwall & Devon

We’ll say it: the Border Knight isn’t an easy dive, but it’s definitely one for the logbook if you’re into proper wreck exploration. Dropping onto the deck at around 55 metres, you really feel the history of this steamship, torpedoed in 1917. She’s largely intact, lying upright, which we love because it gives you a real sense of scale. You can still make out the superstructure, and the bow section, in particular, is captivating – often shrouded in schooling bib and pollack that swirl around you, a living curtain. Our favourite part has to be the chance to peer into the holds. With a decent torch, you can illuminate the dark spaces where cargo once sat, imagining the journey from London to Barry. The visibility here can be superb on a good day, allowing the light to penetrate surprisingly deep. Keep an eye out for resident conger eels, tucked into any crevice they can find, and the odd lobster clinging to the plating. It’s a dive that rewards careful planning and respect for its depth. We’d suggest saving this one for calmer days; strong currents can make the descent and ascent a real challenge. This is a dive for experienced technical divers who appreciate historical wrecks and aren't afraid of a bit of depth.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.966717, -5.127697
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Wreck History - BORDER KNIGHT

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
3,723 GRT

Built in 1899 by D. and W. Henderson and Co. in Glasgow, the SS Border Knight was a British steam cargo ship of 3,723 GRT. For nearly two decades, she was a typical workhorse vessel of her era, serving the commercial trade routes of the British Empire. The outbreak of the First World War thrust her into a far more perilous environment, where merchant ships became prime targets in the escalating conflict at sea.

On November 4th, 1917, her luck ran out. While en route from London to Barry and sailing in ballast, she was spotted by the German submarine UB-40. Three miles off Black Head, Cornwall, a single torpedo struck the vessel, sealing her fate. The Border Knight sank quickly, becoming another casualty of the unrestricted submarine warfare that defined the war at sea.

Today, the Border Knight lies at a depth of 55 meters, making her a challenging dive reserved for experienced technical and rebreather divers. The wreck is significantly broken up due to the torpedo's impact and over a century of deterioration, but her impressive boilers and engine stand proud of the seabed. In good visibility, divers can explore the scattered remains, which have become a thriving habitat for marine life, including large conger eels, lobsters, and dense shoals of bib.

Marine Protected Area: Coverack Cove & Dolor 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 BORDER KNIGHT

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 BORDER KNIGHT

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