BUESTEN - Cornwall & Devon

The *Buesten* is more than just a wreck; it’s a proper expedition dive, and we rate it highly for those with the right experience. Dropping onto her deck at 50 metres, you immediately feel the scale of this tanker, sunk by a bomb in 1941. We love exploring the huge engine room, an incredible space with machinery still largely intact, and the stern section where the prop shaft leads away into the gloom. The visibility here can be truly astounding on a good day, allowing you to appreciate the sheer length of the vessel stretching out before you. Look out for conger eels tucked into every crevice, and the vibrant jewel anemones that coat many of the exposed metal surfaces. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and depth, not one for a quick splash. Plan your dive carefully; the currents can be playful, and that depth demands respect.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.352417, -3.404450
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Wreck History - BUESTEN

Year Sunk
1941
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
5,186 GRT

The MV Buesten was a Norwegian motor tanker built in 1927. During World War II, as part of the Allied merchant navy, she played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic, bravely ferrying vital fuel supplies across the U-boat-infested ocean. In the spring of 1941, the Buesten was on the final leg of a perilous journey from Baytown, Texas, to Southampton, her tanks filled with precious cargo. On April 9, 1941, while off the coast of Cornwall, her luck ran out. She was spotted by the German submarine U-107, which fired a single torpedo that struck the tanker, sealing her fate.

Lying at a depth of 50 meters, the Buesten is now a classic deep wreck dive for experienced and technically qualified divers. The wreck is a formidable sight, largely intact and sitting upright on the seabed. As a tanker, her most impressive features are located at the stern, where divers can explore the large, distinct superstructure and the powerful three-cylinder oil engine that once drove her. The depth means bottom time is limited and conditions can be challenging, but for those with the right training, the MV Buesten offers a haunting and unforgettable dive into the history of World War II.

Marine Protected Area: Berry Head to Sharkham 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 BUESTEN

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 BUESTEN

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 Buesten dive site and what is the depth to the top of the wreck?
The Buesten dive site reaches a maximum depth of 50m. While the exact depth to the top of the wreck is not specified in our current data, divers can expect its structure to rise from the seabed, offering shallower points for exploration. This depth makes it a significant dive for experienced individuals.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Buesten dive site?
Divers exploring the Buesten wreck can expect to encounter the impressive remains of a 118.3m long and 16.2m wide tanker vessel, sunk in 1941. Notable features include its 3 cylinder oil engine, single shaft, and machinery located aft, providing a fascinating historical exploration. While specific marine life details are not provided in our current information, wrecks commonly serve as vibrant artificial reefs attracting various species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Buesten wreck dive, and is it suitable for advanced recreational divers or only technical divers?
The Buesten wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty, reaching a maximum depth of 50m. This depth typically requires divers to hold at least an advanced recreational certification with deep diving specialties, or even technical diving qualifications, to safely explore the site. Its intermediate rating suggests it offers a rewarding challenge for experienced divers, making it suitable for those with appropriate training.
What is the best time of year to dive the Buesten wreck for optimal conditions like visibility and calmer seas?
Our current data for the Buesten wreck does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions like visibility or calmer seas. For general guidance on diving in the Cornwall & Devon area, we recommend consulting local dive operators. You can also explore our When to Dive section for typical regional patterns.
What specific diving certifications are required to dive the Buesten wreck?
Given the Buesten wreck's maximum depth of 50m and intermediate difficulty, divers would typically need certifications beyond entry-level. This usually includes an Advanced Open Water Diver certification with a Deep Diver specialty, or technical diving certifications, to safely and responsibly explore the site. Always ensure your training and equipment match the dive conditions for a safe experience.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions divers might encounter at the Buesten dive site?
Our available data for the Buesten dive site does not include specific details on typical current or visibility conditions. Divers planning to visit this wreck should consult local dive operators or up-to-date resources for prevailing conditions before their dive. Always prioritize safety by understanding the environment you are entering.