BRITISH COMMERCE - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.195600, -0.787133
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
49m

Wreck History - BRITISH COMMERCE

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.

Marine Protected Area: Dolphin Head Highly Protected Marine Area

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 BRITISH COMMERCE

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 BRITISH COMMERCE

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 British Commerce dive site?
The maximum depth of the British Commerce dive site is 49 meters. This makes it a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience to explore safely.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the British Commerce wreck?
Divers exploring the British Commerce can expect to encounter the features of an iron-built full-rigged ship, measuring 75m x 11.3m. This historic sailing vessel, sunk in 1883 following a collision, offers a fascinating wreck dive experience. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is the British Commerce wreck dive, considering currents and visibility?
The British Commerce wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. While specific details on currents and visibility are not provided in the data, an intermediate rating suggests that divers should be prepared for potentially challenging conditions. Always check local dive reports for current conditions before planning your dive.
What is the best time of year to dive the British Commerce for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the British Commerce for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section. Always check local weather and sea conditions before planning your trip.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the British Commerce?
Given the maximum depth of 49 meters and an intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess advanced deep diving certifications to safely explore the British Commerce. This typically includes certifications like PADI Deep Diver or equivalent. Always dive within your training and experience limits.
Are there strong currents or specific tidal considerations when diving the British Commerce?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding strong currents or tidal considerations for diving the British Commerce. However, as with any wreck dive in coastal waters, it is prudent to consult local dive operators and tide charts. Always be aware of potential currents, especially in areas like Cornwall & Devon.