BORGNY - Cornwall & Devon

The Borgny. Now here’s a wreck that always delivers. She’s a decent size, 69 metres of steamship, and sits upright at 31 metres, making her a solid pick for experienced divers. We love the way the light filters down through the superstructure; on a good day, it really highlights the huge boiler. You’ll find her bow pointing north, often tucked into the current, which can be pretty lively here. Our favourite part is exploring the stern, where you can often spot conger eels poking their heads out from the darker recesses. The whole wreck is just covered in plumose anemones, soft corals, and dead man’s fingers, all swaying gently with the surge. Visibility averages 10-15 metres, but we've had days where it stretched to 20, making the whole ship feel enormous. Keep an eye out for dogfish resting on the seabed around the wreck. If you’re coming down here, aim for slack water; it makes a huge difference to how much you can really poke around and appreciate her history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.590760, -1.695507
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
31m

Wreck History - BORGNY

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

The Borgny was a Norwegian-built steamship, launched in 1909 from the Akers Mekaniske Verksted shipyard in Christiana (modern-day Oslo). A typical cargo steamer of her time, she measured nearly 70 metres in length and was powered by a single triple-expansion steam engine. For nearly a decade, she plied the trade routes of Northern Europe, a workhorse of the sea connecting ports and economies.

Her service came to a violent end during the height of the First World War. On February 26, 1918, while on a passage from Newport to Rouen, the Borgny was targeted by a German U-boat. A single torpedo strike sealed her fate, sending the ship and her cargo to the bottom of the English Channel. Today, she lies at a depth of around 31 metres off the coast of Cornwall. The wreck is a poignant reminder of the U-boat campaign and offers advanced divers a chance to connect with a dramatic chapter of maritime history.

Marine Protected Area: Southbourne Rough

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 BORGNY

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 BORGNY

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 Borgny dive site?
The maximum depth of the Borgny dive site is 31 meters. This intermediate-level wreck offers a fascinating exploration for divers.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the Borgny?
The Borgny is a steam ship vessel, built in 1909 and sunk in 1918. Divers can explore its significant wreck features, including a boiler and a triple expansion engine, spread across its 69.6m length and 11m width. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks often attract diverse ecosystems which can be explored further in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the Borgny wreck, and what skill level is recommended?
Diving the Borgny is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. It is also noted as a dangerous wreck, requiring divers to possess appropriate experience and training for such conditions. Divers should ensure they have the necessary skills for a 31-meter wreck dive.
When is the best time to dive the Borgny for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time to dive the Borgny for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Cornwall & Devon region, please consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Borgny?
Given the Borgny is an intermediate-difficulty wreck dive reaching a maximum depth of 31 meters, divers should possess certifications appropriate for such depths and conditions. While specific certifications are not listed, an advanced open water certification or equivalent is generally recommended for dives of this nature to ensure safety and enjoyment.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the Borgny dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding typical current or visibility conditions at the Borgny dive site. Divers planning to visit this Cornwall & Devon wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on prevailing conditions.