BRISEIS - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.487780, -2.625833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Wreck History - BRISEIS

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.

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 BRISEIS

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 BRISEIS

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 Briseis shipwreck dive site and is it suitable for Open Water divers?
The Briseis shipwreck dive site has a maximum depth of 14 meters. Given this depth, it is technically within the limits for Open Water divers. However, classified as an intermediate difficulty wreck and a "Dangerous wreck," it is recommended for Open Water divers with some experience or those diving under professional guidance.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see at the Briseis shipwreck?
The Briseis is a historic steam ship vessel, sunk on October 1, 1937, and built in 1909. Divers can expect to explore the remains of this 97.8m x 14m wreck, including its triple expansion engine, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century maritime history at this Cornwall & Devon dive site. While specific marine life is not detailed in our records for this site, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species; you can learn more about common species in the DivePlnr wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the Briseis shipwreck, particularly regarding its structure and potential for penetration?
Diving the Briseis shipwreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. It is also explicitly noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating potential hazards associated with its structure. Given its classification and status as a large steam ship, any penetration should only be attempted by appropriately trained and experienced wreck divers.
What is the best time of year to dive the Briseis shipwreck for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data for the Briseis shipwreck does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility. General information on seasonal diving conditions for the region can often be found on our When to Dive page, which may offer insights for the Cornwall & Devon area.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or highly recommended to dive the Briseis shipwreck?
While the 14-meter depth of the Briseis shipwreck is within Open Water limits, its classification as an "intermediate difficulty" and "Dangerous wreck" suggests that advanced training is highly recommended. Divers should possess certifications such as Advanced Open Water or Wreck Diver, along with relevant experience, to safely explore this site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Briseis shipwreck dive site?
Our available data for the Briseis shipwreck dive site does not include specific details regarding typical current or visibility conditions. Divers planning to visit this Cornwall & Devon wreck should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on these environmental factors.