BRESTOIS - Cornwall & Devon

The *Brestois* sits in about 37 metres of water off Plymouth, a substantial iron steamship that went down after a collision in 1918. For us, this wreck is one of the standout dives in the area, a proper penetration dive if you know what you’re doing and have the right training. You’ll drop down onto the bow, often with impressive visibility, and find yourself looking into the cavernous holds. We love finning through the open sections, seeing light filter down, illuminating massive conger eels peering out from gaps in the plates. Our favourite part is the engine room, surprisingly intact, where you can still make out machinery wrapped in anemones. Keep an eye out for dogfish resting in the sand nearby, and big ballan wrasse patrolling the perimeter. The *Brestois* really gives you a sense of its history; you can almost feel the chill of that March morning it went down. It’s definitely one for experienced cold water wreck divers who appreciate a good, honest dive with plenty to explore, especially those who enjoy a bit of overhead environment.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.457508, -1.517523
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
37m

Wreck History - BRESTOIS

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
1,173 GRT

The SS Brestois was a French-owned, iron-hulled steamship built in 1897. Her career came to a violent end during the final year of World War I, a period when German U-boats were relentlessly targeting Allied shipping in the English Channel. On March 7, 1918, the Brestois was on a voyage in ballast from Cherbourg, France, to Cardiff, Wales, when she sailed into the periscope sights of the German submarine UB-55.

Without warning, the U-boat launched a torpedo that struck the Brestois, sealing her fate. The explosion was catastrophic, and the ship sank quickly, tragically taking 18 of her crew members with her to the seabed. She became another statistic in the brutal war at sea, a civilian vessel lost to a military conflict.

Today, the wreck of the Brestois lies at a depth of 37 meters. It's a dive for more experienced enthusiasts, offering a poignant glimpse into the past. The wreck is broken but key features, including her single boiler and compound expansion engine, are still clearly identifiable. As you explore the scattered remains, now colonized by anemones and patrolled by fish, it's impossible not to reflect on the sudden and violent end this vessel and her crew met over a century ago.

Marine Protected Area: Albert Field

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 BRESTOIS

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 BRESTOIS

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 typical depth range for diving the BRESTOIS wreck?
The BRESTOIS wreck in Cornwall & Devon is typically dived at a depth of 37 meters. This makes it an exciting deep wreck dive for appropriately certified divers. Always ensure you are trained for the depths you plan to explore.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the BRESTOIS dive site?
Divers exploring the BRESTOIS can expect to encounter the remains of a 45.7m x 6.7m iron steam ship vessel, built in 1897 and sunk in 1918. Key features include its single boiler and compound expansion engine, offering fascinating structural elements to explore. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species, making it a vibrant habitat.
How challenging is the BRESTOIS dive site, considering potential currents and visibility?
The BRESTOIS dive site is classified as intermediate in difficulty. While specific details on currents and visibility are not provided, this rating suggests that divers should be prepared for conditions that require a good level of experience and skill. Always assess conditions on site and dive within your limits.
What is the best time of year to dive BRESTOIS for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the BRESTOIS wreck. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the United Kingdom, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section. Local dive operators can also provide up-to-date information.
What dive certifications are required to explore the BRESTOIS wreck?
Given the BRESTOIS wreck's depth of 37 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification, with a Deep Diver specialty highly recommended. This ensures you have the necessary training and experience for safe exploration of this fascinating site. Always dive with appropriate training and equipment.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions encountered at the BRESTOIS dive site?
Specific details regarding typical current and visibility conditions for the BRESTOIS dive site are not provided in the available data. However, its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive suggests that divers should be prepared for potentially challenging conditions, which may include varying currents or reduced visibility. Always check with local dive centers for current conditions before planning your dive.