British Inventor (Wreck)
Protected Area
Studland to Portland
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 Inventor (Wreck) offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
We’re big fans of the British Inventor, a classic Channel wreck that’s just right for a relaxed dive. At 21 metres, it’s not too deep, making it perfect for newer wreck divers to get a feel for things without the pressure of a big decompression profile. The ship hit a mine in 1941 and settled upright, which is a real bonus – you can still clearly make out the bow, stern, and some of the superstructure. Our favourite part is the engine room, which is often surprisingly open and full of nooks where conger eels like to coil up. Keep an eye out for them, and for the lobsters tucked into every crevice. Visibility can be a bit variable, but on a good day, the light filtering down creates some dramatic silhouettes against the kelp that’s now draped over the railings. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide to really appreciate its scale and avoid getting pushed around too much. It’s a proper piece of history down there, and genuinely enjoyable to explore.
Typical British Inventor (Wreck) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 21m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
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 Inventor (Wreck) Wreck History
Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
7,006 GRT
This site comprises the main wreckage and debris field of the MV British Inventor, a tanker that struck a mine on June 13, 1940. After the explosion, the crippled ship was intentionally beached but broke her back under the strain, separating the bow from the rest of the vessel. While the larger stern section was famously salvaged and rebuilt, the forward part of the tanker and the resulting debris were left to the sea.
Lying at 21 metres, this dive site is slightly deeper than the main bow section and offers a different perspective on the same event. Here, divers can explore a wide area of wreckage, including large sections of hull plating, twisted pipework, and other structural elements that were torn from the tanker during the initial explosion and subsequent break-up. It provides a stark illustration of the vessel's violent end and is now a rich habitat for fish and crustaceans, making it a lively and interesting dive for those exploring the story of the British Inventor.
Nearest Dive Centres to British Inventor (Wreck)
Dive shops near British Inventor (Wreck)
Dive Beyond Limited
Old Harbour Dive Centre
Divers Down
Dorset Diving Services
Mayim Mermaid Academy
TAL Scuba Ltd.
Reviews for British Inventor (Wreck)
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for British Inventor (Wreck)
British Inventor (Wreck) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for British Inventor (Wreck), 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 Inventor (Wreck)
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.