CAMELOT CHALLENGER (POSSIBLY) - Cornwall & Devon

The Camelot Challenger, or what we believe is the Camelot Challenger, sits in a shallow eight metres, making it a great dive for anyone comfortable in temperate waters. We love the ambiguity of this wreck; it adds a layer of mystery. Sunk in 1982 after being sighted going down in a rough sea from shore, you can almost feel the chill of that winter day. The fishing vessel is only 7.6m long, so it's a quick tour, but we find ourselves lingering over the details. This wreck is a real lesson in how quickly the sea reclaims its own. Barely four decades on, and it’s completely encrusted with plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the surge. You’ll spot crabs scuttling into crevices, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, a curious dogfish might eye you from the sand. It’s a perfect site for wreck novices or photographers looking to capture the soft-focus blues of the Cornish coast. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water to truly appreciate the delicate anemones without battling a strong current.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.574600, -4.936250
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - CAMELOT CHALLENGER (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1982
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
storm

The Camelot Challenger was a small, 7.6-metre fishing vessel that met its end on a tumultuous day in January 1982. Eyewitnesses on the shore watched helplessly as the boat succumbed to the rough seas off the coast of Cornwall, a region known for its dramatic and often unforgiving weather. The vessel sank and was later classified as a dangerous wreck, a stark reminder of the sea's power.

Resting in just 8 metres of water, this is an extremely shallow wreck dive, accessible to divers of all levels. However, its classification as 'dangerous' suggests the structure is likely broken and scattered, requiring careful navigation. The wreck's intriguing name, 'Camelot Challenger', offers a fun piece of local speculation. It may be a nod to the legendary actor Richard Burton, who famously played King Arthur in the musical 'Camelot' and had strong ties to the Celtic regions. For divers, it’s a chance to explore the remains of a local tragedy while pondering a possible link to theatrical royalty.

Marine Protected Area: Trebetherick Point

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 CAMELOT CHALLENGER (POSSIBLY)

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 CAMELOT CHALLENGER (POSSIBLY)

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