BORDERDENE - Cornwall & Devon

The Borderdene is a surprisingly engaging wreck, though it’s not for everyone. We love it for its sheer accessibility, sitting in around 18 metres on a sandy bottom, making it a good option for those looking to stretch their bottom time without getting too deep. What’s left of the steamship is spread out, a real jumble of metal that tells a clear story of a mine strike in 1942. You'll find yourself finning over twisted plates and ribs, with bits of the engine still recognisable if you know what you’re looking for. This wreck really shines on a sunny day. When the light filters down, it picks out the colours of the anemones and dead man’s fingers that have completely plastered the metalwork. We always find conger eels tucked into the darker recesses, and the sandy patches around the wreck often have flatfish or even a stargazer if you’re patient. It’s a site that rewards careful exploration, less about penetration and more about appreciating the history and the marine life that has made a home here. It’s a good step up for divers comfortable with UK diving but not yet ready for the deeper, more intact wrecks.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.302160, -3.052106
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - BORDERDENE

Year Sunk
1942
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
mined
Tonnage
429 GRT

The SS Borderdene was a small British steam coaster built in 1919. During the Second World War, she played a vital role in the dangerous but essential task of transporting goods around the British coastline. These small vessels were the lifeblood of the home front, but they faced constant threats from enemy aircraft, E-boats, and naval mines.

On January 13th, 1942, while on a voyage from London to Hayle with a cargo of cement, the Borderdene's journey came to an abrupt end. She struck a mine near the infamous Manacles reef off the Cornish coast, a treacherous area of water made even deadlier by the war. The explosion was catastrophic, and the vessel quickly foundered, coming to rest in very shallow water close to the shore.

Lying at a depth of just 1 meter, the Borderdene is now a highly broken and scattered wreck, heavily salvaged and pounded by the relentless sea. While not a scuba dive in the traditional sense, its remains are accessible to snorkelers and kayakers on a calm day. Twisted plates and sections of the hull are visible amongst the kelp, offering a stark and shallow reminder of the perils of wartime shipping on the British coast.

Marine Protected Area: Berrow Dunes

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 BORDERDENE

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 BORDERDENE

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