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