CABENDA

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Crymlyn Burrows

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - CABENDA offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 12m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Cabenda, a small motor vessel sunk by a mine in 1941, sits upright and largely intact at a very accessible 12 metres. We love how the shallow depth and relatively sheltered position make it an excellent introduction to wreck diving, particularly for those new to the game or divers who prefer longer bottom times. You’ll find the wreck itself is quite broken in parts, a testament to the wartime explosion, but the bow and stern sections are still clearly recognisable. Head towards the stern to find the propeller still in place, often cloaked in plumose anemones, their frilly tentacles swaying with the gentle surge. Inside the hold, if you peer carefully, we’ve often spotted conger eels tucked away in the shadows, their heads poking out from behind rusting metal plates. Look out for dogfish resting on the silty seabed just off the wreck’s perimeter; they’re often camouflaged surprisingly well. We’d suggest timing your dive with slack water, as even a gentle current can make navigating the interior a bit more challenging.

Typical CABENDA Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:3317:3311h 0m daylightGolden hour 16:48

CABENDA Wreck History

Year Sunk

1941

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

mined

A small coastal motor vessel, the MV Cabenda was caught up in the immense conflict of the Second World War. In February 1941, while on a routine passage from Shoreham to Briton Ferry, it entered a section of the English Channel that had been secretly mined by enemy forces, a common tactic used to disrupt vital Allied shipping lanes.

The Cabenda's final moments were swift and violent. It struck a mine and sank quickly, becoming another maritime casualty of the war. Its remains came to rest in the relatively shallow waters off the coast of Cornwall and Devon, a silent memorial to the dangers faced by civilian mariners during the war.

Today, lying at a depth of just 12 meters, the Cabenda is an accessible dive for many. However, its official classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' is a reminder of its traumatic end. Divers can explore the 45-meter-long structure, which is now an artificial reef for local marine life, but must do so with caution, aware of potential hazards like sharp, corroded metal and the unpredictable currents of the channel.