BRUNETTE - Cornwall & Devon

The Brunette is a bit of a local legend, and for good reason. We love this site for its accessibility and just how much character this old dredger has packed into its relatively shallow depth. Dropping onto the wreck, you'll immediately feel the chill of the UK waters, but the sheer volume of life makes you forget the cold pretty quickly. Shoals of bib and pouting absolutely swarm the superstructure, darting in and out of the rusted metal. This wreck, sunk in 1981, is now a proper artificial reef. You can spend a good chunk of time exploring the engine room, which is often full of conger eels peeking out from every nook, or peering into the hold where crabs scuttle across the seabed. Visibility here can vary wildly, from a murky five metres to a surprisingly clear fifteen, especially on a settled day with a slack tide. We’d suggest timing your dive around high slack for the best chance at calmer conditions and clearer water. It’s perfect for newer wreck divers looking to get their fins wet on something with a bit of history, without the intimidating depth.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.214750, -5.027158
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - BRUNETTE

Year Sunk
1981
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

The Brunette was a dredger that sank off the coast of Cornwall in April 1981. Little is known about the specific circumstances of her loss, but her final resting place has made her a well-known site for local divers. Lying in just 10 meters of water, the Brunette is an ideal dive for beginners, those undertaking training, or as a relaxed second dive of the day. Its shallow depth allows for long bottom times and excellent light penetration on a clear day.

As a relatively modern wreck in a shallow, high-energy environment, the Brunette is significantly broken up. Divers will find scattered sections of hull plating, deck machinery, and the recognisable dredging equipment. Over the decades, these remains have transformed into a thriving artificial reef, providing a home for a rich variety of marine life, including wrasse, pollack, crabs, and lobsters. Its classification as a 'dangerous wreck' serves as a reminder to be cautious of sharp metal edges and potential entanglement hazards.

Marine Protected Area: Upper Fal Estuary and Woods

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 BRUNETTE

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 BRUNETTE

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