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