CABENDA - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.558216, -3.871867
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
12m

Wreck History - CABENDA

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.

Marine Protected Area: Crymlyn Burrows

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 CABENDA

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 CABENDA

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