BRISEIS

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - BRISEIS offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 14m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Briseis, a steamship that went down in 1937, isn’t just another bit of metal on the seabed. She’s a proper wreck dive, sitting upright and surprisingly intact at just 14 metres. We love that you can really get a sense of her scale, with her bows rising impressively from the sand. Swim along the deck, and you’ll find cracks and openings everywhere, perfect for peering inside, though we’d suggest leaving serious penetration to those with specialist training. What makes the Briseis a standout for us is the way the marine life has claimed her. You'll spot jewel anemones plastered all over the metalwork, their tiny tentacles shimmering in the torchlight. Dogfish often rest in the sand nearby, and the whole wreck is home to schools of pollack and bib, darting in and out of the superstructure. It’s a fantastic site for newer wreck divers looking to get a feel for a substantial wreck without the deeper depths or fierce currents you sometimes find further offshore. Visibility can be a bit hit-or-miss, so pick a calm day with good tides for the best experience. The sheer volume of life, combined with the Briseis's solid structure, always makes for a satisfying dive.

Typical BRISEIS Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:2617:3011h 5m daylightGolden hour 16:47

BRISEIS Wreck History

Year Sunk

1937

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

unknown

Originally launched as the GENUA from a Rostock shipyard in 1909, this German-built steamship was renamed BRISEIS in 1920. For nearly three decades, she plied the seas under the ownership of the Campagnie Auxillaire de Navigations, powered by her triple-expansion steam engine. Her long career came to an end on the first of October, 1937, when she sank for reasons that remain undocumented.

Lying at just 14 meters, the BRISEIS is a fantastic and highly accessible wreck dive suitable for divers of all experience levels. Its shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times with excellent natural light. Having been on the seabed for over 80 years, the wreck is thoroughly colonized with vibrant marine life, transforming the old steamer into a bustling artificial reef. Divers can easily explore the scattered remains, including the ship's boilers and engine block, making it a perfect site for underwater photography and an introduction to the rich maritime history of the English Channel.