CAMBRONNE

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Lundy

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) - CAMBRONNE 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 40m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The Cambronne sits deep, a proper technical dive at 40 metres, and she’s a beauty for it. You’ll find her off Lundy Island, broken but still substantial for a ship of her size. We love the engine room here, easily penetrable if you’re comfortable with overhead environments, and it still feels remarkably intact. The hold is another favourite, a cavern now, filled with the shifting shapes of bib and pollack darting between the light shafts. Look for dogfish resting on the sandy bottom nearby, blending in perfectly. Our pick for timing this dive is slack water; the currents around Lundy can be fierce, making the descent and ascent a real challenge otherwise. The hull plates are thick with jewel anemones and dead man’s fingers, an explosion of colour in the beam of your torch, a stark contrast to the shadowy steel. This dive suits experienced wreck divers who appreciate a deeper challenge and the quiet solitude of a less-frequented site.

Typical CAMBRONNE Dive Profile

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

Safety Notes

Deep dive (40m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

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.

Today06:3617:3711h 1m daylightGolden hour 16:52

CAMBRONNE Wreck History

Year Sunk

1942

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

The Cambronne was a small, modern Dutch motor coaster built in 1938. Unlike the steamships of a previous era, she was powered by an oil engine, representing the future of coastal cargo transport. During the Second World War, vessels like the Cambronne were vital for moving essential supplies around the British Isles, often sailing in dangerous waters under the constant threat of enemy attack.

Despite the wartime dangers, the Cambronne's demise was not a result of enemy action. On October 10, 1942, while on a routine passage from Hayle in Cornwall to Newport in Wales, the vessel navigated too close to Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel. In challenging conditions, she struck submerged rocks and sank, becoming a victim of a simple maritime accident.

Today, the Cambronne lies at a depth of 40 metres, making her a dive reserved for experienced and suitably qualified divers. The wreck is reported to be remarkably intact and sits upright on the seabed, offering a superb subject for exploration. Due to the depth, bottom times are limited, and the site can be subject to strong currents, demanding careful dive planning. For those who can make the dive, the Cambronne offers a rewarding glimpse of a well-preserved WWII-era coaster.