BUYRON BESTUM - Cornwall & Devon

The Buyron Bestum might only be 8 metres long, but what a feisty little wreck it is. We love how it sits upright at a modest 15 metres, making it approachable for most divers, even those newer to wreck diving. Dropping onto its deck, you're immediately struck by the sheer density of plumose anemones, creating a soft, colourful carpet over every available surface. They sway gently in the mild currents, like a field of coral-coloured flowers. We’ve seen some proper big conger eels poking their heads from the nooks and crannies, and the occasional inquisitive wrasse will shadow you as you fin around the superstructure. Visibility here can be hit-or-miss, typical for British waters, but on a good day, when the sun filters through, the anemones really pop. It’s a site that rewards a slow fin, taking the time to peer into shadowed spaces. Our favourite trick is to visit on a slack tide, giving us ample time to circle the wreck multiple times and truly appreciate its character. It’s a lovely, intimate dive, a real gem for those who appreciate the smaller, more personal wrecks.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.688330, -1.656667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Wreck History - BUYRON BESTUM

Year Sunk
2007
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The wreck known as the Buyron Bestum is a relatively modern and mysterious addition to the seabed off the coast of Cornwall. This small, 8-meter vessel, likely a private motor cruiser, sank in June 2007 under circumstances that were never officially reported. Its classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' suggests it poses a potential hazard to navigation, a common designation for shallow wrecks in busy shipping lanes.

Lying at a depth of 15 meters, the Buyron Bestum offers an interesting dive for those exploring the local waters. As a recent wreck, it provides a fascinating opportunity to observe the early stages of marine colonization. Divers can see how the ocean begins to reclaim a man-made object, with the first signs of algae, sponges, and small invertebrates taking hold on its surfaces. It serves as a small but intriguing site, a modern maritime mystery waiting to be explored.

Marine Protected Area: Highcliffe to Milford Cliffs

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 BUYRON BESTUM

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 BUYRON BESTUM

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