CAMBRIAN PRINCESS (PROBABLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Cambrian Princess, or at least what we’re pretty sure is the Cambrian Princess, is a proper chunk of history on the seabed off Devon. She’s an iron sailing vessel, lost in 1902 after a collision, and what's left is spread across the sand at 29 metres. We love dropping down onto the bow section first; it’s largely intact and feels quite imposing, even after all these years. You can often see conger eels tucked into the deeper recesses here, their heads poking out from between the plates. Our favourite part, though, is exploring the debris field. The stern is more broken up, but it means you get to pick through scattered ribs and plates, imagining the chaos of her final moments. You’ll find squat lobsters in every nook and cranny, and if you’re patient, even a few shy anglerfish camouflaged against the rust. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the ghost of a ship and don’t mind a bit of a rummage. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for the channel, but on a good day, the scale of her is really impressive. We always suggest bringing a good torch; it brings out the colours on the encrusting sponges and helps spot the smaller critters hiding within the structure.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.582817, -0.872183
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
29m

Wreck History - CAMBRIAN PRINCESS (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1902
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
storm

The Cambrian Princess was a three-masted, iron-hulled sailing barque built in 1877. A true workhorse of the final days of sail, she spent her career on demanding long-haul trade routes, connecting industrial Europe with the raw materials of the wider world. At the turn of the 20th century, ships like the Cambrian Princess were a common sight, but their era was rapidly coming to a close with the dominance of steam power.

In early 1902, the Cambrian Princess was nearing the end of a gruelling multi-month voyage from Lobos de Afuera, Peru, bound for Antwerp, Belgium. Her holds were filled with a valuable cargo of guano for use as fertilizer. As she navigated the English Channel, she was caught in a violent gale. After a long battle with the storm, the ship was overwhelmed and foundered off the Cornish coast on April 1st, 1902.

Resting at a depth of 29 metres, the Cambrian Princess is a classic dive into the age of sail. The iron hull has largely collapsed, but the wreck's outline is still clearly visible on the seabed. Divers can explore the flattened hull plates and see the unique cargo of guano, which has solidified over the century into a rock-like substance. The wreckage provides a home for abundant marine life, including conger eels, lobsters, and schools of bib, making for a scenic and atmospheric dive.

Marine Protected Area: Utopia

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 PRINCESS (PROBABLY)

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 PRINCESS (PROBABLY)

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 is the maximum depth of the Cambrian Princess (Probably) dive site and what is the average depth of the wreck?
The maximum depth of the Cambrian Princess (Probably) dive site is 29 meters. The provided data indicates a single depth of 29m, suggesting this is the primary reference for the wreck's depth rather than an average.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Cambrian Princess (Probably) dive site, given its dispersed nature?
Divers exploring the Cambrian Princess (Probably) can expect to encounter the remains of an iron sailing vessel. This substantial wreck, measuring 68.6m by 11.3m, sank in 1902 following a collision. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, the wreck itself offers interesting features for exploration.
How challenging is diving the Cambrian Princess (Probably) wreck, considering its depth and condition?
Diving the Cambrian Princess (Probably) is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a maximum depth of 29 meters, it presents challenges typical for deeper wreck dives. Furthermore, its classification as a dangerous wreck indicates potential hazards that divers should be aware of.
What is the best time of year to dive the Cambrian Princess (Probably) for optimal conditions like visibility and calmer waters?
The provided data for the Cambrian Princess (Probably) does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions, such as visibility or calmer waters. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the United Kingdom, divers may consult broader resources.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the Cambrian Princess (Probably)?
Given the Cambrian Princess (Probably) is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive at 29 meters, divers typically require at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Specialized wreck diving certifications are also highly recommended for safely exploring such sites.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Cambrian Princess (Probably) dive site?
The provided data for the Cambrian Princess (Probably) dive site does not include specific details regarding typical current or visibility conditions. Divers planning to visit this Cornwall & Devon wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on these factors.