BUZUZLO (EX WESTON) - Cornwall & Devon

The Buzuzlo, formerly the Weston, is a wreck dive that always sparks a bit of debate among us. We love it, but we’re not going to pretend it’s a full-on wreck penetration experience. This steamship went down in 1896, and time, tide, and those notoriously feisty Channel storms have done their work. What’s left is scattered, yes, but that’s precisely its charm. At a maximum depth of just 7 metres, it’s remarkably accessible, making it one of our favourite shallow wrecks in the area. You’ll find plates, ribs, and bits of machinery spread across the seabed, almost like an archaeological dig site. The light penetration is fantastic, even on a cloudy day, creating these shifting patterns through the kelp that has colonised every available surface. Look closely, and you’ll spot crabs scuttling amongst the wreckage, blennies darting into crevices, and sometimes, a shy dogfish tucked away. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers or newer divers getting their first taste of a historical site without the pressure of depth or strong currents. For us, it’s about piecing together the story from the fragments, imagining the ship that once was, rather than exploring intact corridors. Go at high slack tide for the best visibility and most relaxed swim over the remains.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
49.440666, -2.677167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Wreck History - BUZUZLO (EX WESTON)

Year Sunk
1896
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm

The story of the steamship Buzuzlo, formerly known as the Weston, is a tragic tale from the unforgiving waters of the English Channel. In the heart of winter, on December 20, 1896, the vessel was lost. While the exact cause of its sinking is not recorded, it almost certainly fell victim to one of the ferocious storms that characterize the region, a common fate for the steamships of its era.

The only clue to its demise was a somber discovery made on the shores of the Channel Islands. A lifeboat from the ship washed ashore at Pezerie Bay, carrying the bodies of two of its crew. This grim finding was the final testament to the Buzuzlo's struggle against the sea. Today, the vessel's remains lie in just 7 meters of water. Over a century of powerful tides and storms has broken the wreck apart, but it remains a poignant historical site. Divers exploring the scattered wreckage can reflect on the perils of 19th-century seafaring and the lives lost to the unforgiving sea.

Marine Protected Area: Gouliot Caves and Headland, Sark

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 BUZUZLO (EX WESTON)

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 BUZUZLO (EX WESTON)

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