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