BRITANNIA - Cornwall & Devon

The Britannia, a trawler sunk after a collision in Plymouth Sound, offers a surprisingly engaging dive for its modest depth. We love this site for its accessibility and the way marine life has absolutely taken over the remains. You’ll weave through ribs draped in dead man’s fingers, each crevice home to blennies and crabs scuttling for cover. It's a fantastic spot for photographers looking for macro subjects, especially on a sunny day when the light penetrates right to the seabed, illuminating the rust-coloured hull plates. While it’s not a deep-wreck exploration, the Britannia provides plenty to poke around in, with sections of the superstructure still recognisable. We often find conger eels tucked into the larger openings, and the resident pollack will often eye you curiously. It’s a site that rewards a slow, deliberate dive, giving you time to appreciate the transformation from steel vessel to artificial reef. We'd suggest aiming for a slack tide, particularly if you’re trying to get that perfect shot of the anemones swaying on the mast.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.356686, -4.152527
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - BRITANNIA

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
collision

The trawler Britannia came to a sudden end after a collision in the busy waters of Plymouth Sound. Now resting in just one meter of water, its remains serve as a stark reminder of the hazards of maritime navigation. As the wreck classification indicates, parts of the hull or superstructure are still visible above the water, particularly at low tide, making it a well-known feature for local boaters and divers.

This is an extremely shallow dive, ideal for a first-time wreck exploration, training dives, or even snorkeling. Divers can explore the scattered remains of this fishing vessel, which have become an artificial reef for the marine life of the Sound. It provides a unique opportunity to study the anatomy of a trawler in a calm, accessible environment without the need for significant depth or complex dive planning.

Marine Protected Area: Western King

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 BRITANNIA

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 BRITANNIA

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