BRITISH COMMERCE
Protected Area
Dolphin Head Highly Protected Marine Area
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) - BRITISH COMMERCE offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The *British Commerce* is one of those deeper wrecks that really gets under your skin, a proper adventure. Lying upright at 49 metres, she’s an iron sailing ship, over 75 metres long, and has been down since 1883. We love how intact she is for her age and depth, with her bowsprit still pointing north, making for a dramatic descent. You’ll spend most of your bottom time exploring the holds, which are surprisingly open, or tracing the line of her massive mast steps. It’s a dark site, even on a sunny day, so good lights are essential to pick out the details – the twisted metal, the scattered cargo, and the thick carpets of plumose anemones that coat every surface. Our favourite part has to be finning along her deck line, imagining the sheer scale of the ship before she met the *County of Abe*. Big conger eels are everywhere, lurking in every crevice, and the sheer number of jewel anemones clinging to the ironwork is remarkable. This dive is best suited for experienced wreck divers comfortable with deco obligations and colder water. A slack tide dive is non-negotiable here; the currents can rip. We’d suggest a trimix fill to properly appreciate her without rushing.
Typical BRITISH COMMERCE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 49m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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.
BRITISH COMMERCE Wreck History
Year Sunk
1883
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision
Tonnage
1,518 GRT
The British Commerce was a proud, full-rigged iron sailing ship built in 1874 by Dobie & Co. of Glasgow. A product of the golden age of sail, she was a large vessel designed for the demanding long-haul trade routes to the far corners of the British Empire. At the time of her loss, she was owned by W. Thomas of Liverpool and was embarking on a major voyage from London to Melbourne, Australia.
On the night of April 24, 1883, while still in UK waters, disaster struck. The British Commerce was involved in a catastrophic collision with another sailing vessel, the Welsh barque 'County of Selkirk'. The impact was fatal, and the grand iron ship, laden with a general cargo for the colonies, slipped beneath the waves.
Lying at a depth of 49 metres, the British Commerce is a fantastic but challenging dive reserved for experienced and technical divers. The wreck sits upright on the seabed, and its iron hull is remarkably intact, presenting a ghostly silhouette of a bygone era. Divers can explore the ship's elegant lines, peer into the cargo holds, and admire the remaining elements of the deck and rigging. The depth often provides excellent visibility, making a dive on this historic sailing ship a truly atmospheric and memorable experience.
Reviews for BRITISH COMMERCE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BRITISH COMMERCE
BRITISH COMMERCE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BRITISH COMMERCE, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (50.44, -2.73) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
17°C
62°F · Range: 15.1–17.5°C
Air Temperature
13°C
56°F
Wind Speed
8.14 m/s
15.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Cornwall & Devon, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Cornwall & DevonPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Cornwall & Devon.
Search stays in Cornwall & DevonDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near BRITISH COMMERCE
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.