BRITSUM - Cornwall & Devon

Now, the Britsum. If you’re into proper wreck diving, not just poking around some scattered debris, this is a belter. She’s a big steamship, over 128 metres long, which means there’s a lot of ship to get your head around. We love exploring the holds, especially with the ambient light filtering down – it gives the whole place a really eerie, atmospheric feel. There are three boilers still pretty much intact, and the quadruple expansion engine is a sight, really makes you think about the engineering of the time. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss, as it often is around here, but when it’s good, you can really appreciate the scale. The wreck is a hive for critters; we’ve seen everything from schooling pollack swirling around the superstructure to hefty conger eels tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for dogfish on the sand too. Because of the sheer size, it suits divers who are comfortable with wreck penetration and have good buoyancy control. It’s a great dive for extending your bottom time, just remember to keep an eye on the tides – they can run hard here.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.673367, -0.795650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - BRITSUM

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
5,255 GRT

The SS Britsum was a Dutch steamship built in 1929. Following the German invasion of the Netherlands in 1940, the ship came under Allied control and continued the perilous work of transporting goods across the Atlantic. On July 4, 1940, while sailing in a convoy off the coast of Cornwall, her journey came to a violent end.

The convoy was attacked by the German U-boat U-99, commanded by one of the war's most successful aces, Otto Kretschmer. A single torpedo struck the Britsum, sending the 5,255-ton vessel to the seabed. As the wreck lies in only 5 metres of water, it has been heavily affected by decades of storms and surge. Divers will find a very scattered site, with the most prominent features being the ship's boilers and the remains of its powerful quadruple-expansion engine, now a shallow haven for local marine life.

Marine Protected Area: Selsey Bill and the Hounds

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 BRITSUM

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 BRITSUM

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 for diving at BRITSUM?
The maximum depth for diving at the BRITSUM dive site is 5 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers, offering a unique opportunity to explore the wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at BRITSUM?
Divers visiting BRITSUM can expect to explore the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel, measuring 128.3m x 17.1m. This wreck, sunk in 1940, features three boilers and a quadruple expansion engine, providing a fascinating underwater structure to discover.
How challenging is diving at BRITSUM for different skill levels?
Diving at the BRITSUM site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some experience beyond entry-level certification to safely navigate and enjoy the wreck.
What are the best times of year or specific weather conditions to dive at BRITSUM?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or specific weather conditions for diving at BRITSUM. For general guidance on dive planning and conditions in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive at BRITSUM?
Given that BRITSUM is an intermediate difficulty dive, divers typically need more than just an Open Water certification. An Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, along with experience in wreck diving, would be highly recommended to safely explore this site.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at the BRITSUM dive site?
The provided information does not detail the typical water conditions or currents at the BRITSUM dive site. It is always advisable to check local dive conditions and forecasts before planning your dive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.