BRIGITTA - Cornwall & Devon

The Brigitta is one of those wrecks that just delivers. Not because it’s a big, dramatic behemoth, but because it’s a perfectly formed, accessible time capsule. Lying shallow at 13m, this World War I steamer was mined in 1917, now sitting upright on a sandy seabed. We love how much of the structure is still intact, giving you a real sense of its former life. You can pick out the bow, stern, and the engine room; penetration is limited, but there's plenty to explore externally. What truly brings the Brigitta to life for us is the way marine life has embraced it. We've often seen spider crabs scuttling across the deck plates, and there are usually conger eels peering from dark nooks. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, sunny day with good visibility – the light filtering through the water really illuminates the structure and the kelp growing on the highest points. It’s a cracker of a dive for anyone who appreciates history and abundant temperate water life without the need for deep diving or strong currents.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.646423, -0.782039
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
13m

Wreck History - BRIGITTA

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
mine

The SS Brigitta is a casualty of the First World War, a poignant reminder of the conflict's reach into civilian maritime trade. On December 4, 1917, this steamship was undertaking a vital wartime journey from the Welsh port of Barry to Dieppe, France, likely carrying coal or other essential supplies for the war effort. As she navigated the English Channel, she fell victim to one of the most indiscriminate weapons of the era: a naval mine. The explosion was catastrophic, sending the Brigitta and her cargo to the seabed.

Now resting in 13 meters of water, the Brigitta offers a fascinating dive into WWI history. The wreck is accessible to a wide range of divers due to its moderate depth. Exploring the remains of this humble steamship, now colonized by anemones and patrolled by fish, provides a direct link to the sacrifices made by the merchant navy during the Great War. It serves as an underwater memorial to the countless vessels and crews lost to the 'war to end all wars'.

Marine Protected Area: Utopia

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 BRIGITTA

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 BRIGITTA

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