CANTERBURY BELL - Cornwall & Devon

The *Canterbury Bell* is a cracking dive, a real time capsule sitting at 58 metres. We love how intact she is for her age, especially that triple-expansion engine. You can still pick out the two boilers and the single shaft, testament to the craftsmanship of Shields Engineering. Drop down and you're immediately in amongst schools of pollock that swirl around the superstructure, flashing silver in your torch beam. Look closer and the wreck is absolutely smothered in jewel anemones, creating these incredible, colourful carpets over the rusted metal. Our favourite moment is always finning through the open cargo holds, imagining the coal that once filled them, now home to cheeky conger eels peeking out from every crevice. She’s a dive best suited for experienced wreckies with the right training, given the depth. Pick a calm day with minimal swell for the best conditions, as the currents here can occasionally be tricky.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.362550, -4.961443
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
58m

Wreck History - CANTERBURY BELL

Year Sunk
1922
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm
Tonnage
976 GRT

The SS Canterbury Bell was a British steamship built by Richardson & Co in North Shields. A vessel of modest size, she featured a 'machinery aft' design, typical for coastal colliers and cargo ships of the early 20th century. She served diligently in the post-WWI merchant fleet, transporting goods around the British Isles.

In January 1922, the Canterbury Bell set off from Llanelli, Wales, with a course set for Cork, Ireland. She sailed directly into the path of a ferocious storm that swept the region. Battered by mountainous seas and gale-force winds, the ship was overwhelmed. She foundered and sank on January 5th, tragically taking all hands with her.

Today, the wreck of the Canterbury Bell lies at a depth of 58 meters, making her a serious undertaking for experienced technical divers only. Those who make the descent are rewarded with the sight of a remarkably well-preserved vessel sitting upright on the seabed. In the often-clear offshore waters, divers can explore a complete shipwreck that serves as a poignant memorial to the sailors who lost their lives in the storm.

Marine Protected Area: North West of Lundy

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 CANTERBURY BELL

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 CANTERBURY BELL

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 Canterbury Wreck dive site and what are the depths of its key features?
The Canterbury Wreck dive site reaches a maximum depth of 58m. While the wreck features two boilers, a triple expansion engine, and machinery aft, specific depths for these individual components are not provided in the available data. Divers can explore the overall structure of this steamship vessel, which measures 54.9m x 8.5m.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Canterbury Wreck in the Bay of Islands?
Divers exploring the Canterbury Wreck, located off Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, can expect to see the remains of a 54.9m x 8.5m steamship that was sunk on January 5, 1922. Key features include two boilers, a triple expansion engine, and machinery located aft. Information regarding specific marine life at this site is not available in the provided data, but you can learn more about general marine life.
How challenging is diving the Canterbury Wreck, and are there sections suitable for divers with different experience levels?
Diving the Canterbury Wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests it is best suited for divers with prior experience and appropriate training for deeper wreck diving. The wreck itself is classified as non-dangerous, but specific sections suitable for varying experience levels are not detailed in the available information.
When is the best time of year to dive the Canterbury Wreck for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Canterbury Wreck for optimal conditions and visibility is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to explore the Canterbury Wreck, particularly for internal penetration dives?
While the Canterbury Wreck is an intermediate dive to a depth of 58m, specific diving certifications required to explore the site, or for internal penetration dives, are not detailed in the provided information. Divers should ensure they have appropriate training and equipment for wreck diving at this depth.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Canterbury Wreck dive site?
Details regarding the typical current conditions and visibility at the Canterbury Wreck dive site are not available in the provided data. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on conditions before planning their dive.