CAMBRIAN (PART OF) - Cornwall & Devon

The *Cambrian* is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. Sitting in just three metres of water, it’s not about depth or dramatic currents, it’s about accessibility and the sheer amount of time you can spend poking around. This steam trawler, sunk in 1940, is pretty broken up, but its bones are still there, scattered across the seabed. We love drifting over the remains, spotting the boiler and engine block, which are often swarming with small fish. It’s perfect for a long, relaxed dive, or even multiple dives, especially on a calm day when the sun really lights up the shallows. Our favourite part is finding the discarded fishing gear that gives the wreck a real sense of its working life. Look out for the resident wrasse darting between the metal plates and the odd crab scuttling for cover. It’s a gentle introduction to wreck diving, ideal for those who want to practice their buoyancy without the pressure of depth.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.742218, -1.056983
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - CAMBRIAN (PART OF)

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
mine

The vessel known as HMS Cambrian was originally a civilian fishing trawler built in 1924. After being requisitioned by the Royal Navy at the start of World War II, she was converted into a boom defence vessel. Her mission was to protect harbours and anchorages from enemy submarines and torpedoes. Unfortunately, she met her end on May 30, 1940, when she fell victim to an enemy mine.

Lying in just 3 metres of water, this site represents a section of the scattered remains of HMS Cambrian. The designation "(Part Of)" indicates that the vessel is not intact; the initial explosion and decades of storms have spread the wreckage across a wide area of the seabed. This creates a fascinating site for exploration, where divers can move between different sections of the ship's structure.

This shallow dive is ideal for training, long photo shoots, or simply enjoying a relaxed exploration. Divers can expect to find the vessel's large boiler, which often stands proud of the seabed, along with twisted frames, hull plates, and various pieces of machinery. The wreckage has become a thriving artificial reef, offering shelter to a variety of local marine life and adding a splash of colour to this piece of wartime history.

Marine Protected Area: St Helen's Duver & Priory Wood

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 CAMBRIAN (PART OF)

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 CAMBRIAN (PART OF)

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 are the typical depths encountered when diving at Cambrian (Part Of)?
Divers exploring the Cambrian (Part Of) wreck can expect to encounter a typical depth of 3 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow dive, suitable for various experience levels. It offers an accessible wreck experience in Cornwall & Devon.
What unique geological features or artifacts can divers expect to see at Cambrian (Part Of)?
At the Cambrian (Part Of) dive site, divers will explore the remains of a military vessel, originally built in 1924 and sunk on May 30, 1940. This 42.3m x 7.2m wreck features components like its single boiler and triple expansion engine, offering a glimpse into maritime history. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should approach with caution.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Cambrian (Part Of), and is it suitable for recreational divers?
The Cambrian (Part Of) dive site is classified with an intermediate difficulty level. While its shallow depth of 3 meters might seem accessible, its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" suggests that recreational divers should possess appropriate experience and training for wreck diving. It is generally suitable for those with intermediate skills.
What are the required scuba diving certifications and any specialized training needed to dive at Cambrian (Part Of)?
Given the intermediate difficulty and its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," divers planning to explore the Cambrian (Part Of) should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or a specialized Wreck Diver certification. While not explicitly stated, such training would equip divers with the necessary skills for navigating and safely appreciating this type of site. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for wreck diving.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents, visibility, and temperature, at Cambrian (Part Of)?
Information regarding typical water conditions, such as currents, visibility, and temperature, for the Cambrian (Part Of) dive site is not available in the current data context. Divers should consult local dive operators or recent dive reports for up-to-date conditions before planning their trip to Cornwall & Devon.
What is the best time of year to dive Cambrian (Part Of) for optimal conditions and accessibility?
The provided data context does not specify the best time of year to dive the Cambrian (Part Of) wreck for optimal conditions and accessibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, divers can refer to DivePlnr's When to Dive resources or consult local dive centers in Cornwall & Devon.