BROOMHILL (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

We’re going to level with you, the Broomhill is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. Sitting deep at 47m, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but the reward is a truly magnificent piece of history. The twin boilers are still upright, dominating the midship section. You can swim through cavernous holds, imagining the cargo she once carried. The wreck itself is a magnet for life. We’ve seen conger eels coiled in every nook, their heads peeking out from behind corroded steel plates. Schools of pollack often swirl above the deck, dappling the light that penetrates this deep. Our favourite detail? The triple expansion engine, a beautiful piece of engineering still largely intact, a testament to its builders. This dive is best on a calm day with minimal current, allowing you to really take your time and soak in the atmosphere. It’s a proper expedition, demanding good planning and trimix, but always worth the effort for those who appreciate a substantial wreck.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.460200, -2.816067
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
47m

Wreck History - BROOMHILL (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
1,392 GRT

The SS Broomhill was a steam-powered collier built in 1909 for the Brookhill Collieries Ltd., tasked with the vital role of transporting coal. Like many merchant vessels of its time, it was pressed into service during the First World War, braving the dangerous, submarine-infested waters around the British Isles to supply the Allied war effort.

Its final voyage came on May 10, 1917. While steaming from the Tyne to Rouen, France, with a full cargo of coal, the Broomhill was spotted by the German submarine UC-75. Approximately four miles off Prawle Point, Devon, the U-boat fired a single torpedo, which struck the collier and sent it to the seabed. The sinking was a stark reminder of the perils faced by the merchant navy during the Great War.

Today, the wreck tentatively identified as the Broomhill lies at a depth of 47 metres. This is a challenging dive reserved for experienced, deep-certified divers. Those who make the descent are rewarded with the sight of a classic WWI-era steamship. While time and the sea have taken their toll, key features such as the two large boilers and the triple-expansion engine are still clearly identifiable, standing as proud relics of a bygone age of steam power. The wreckage provides a rich habitat for marine life, with its metal structures often shrouded in colourful anemones and schooling fish.

Marine Protected Area: East of Start Point

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 BROOMHILL (PROBABLY)

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 BROOMHILL (PROBABLY)

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