CARMARTHEN - Cornwall & Devon

The *Carmarthen* sits upright, a proper wreck dive at 18 metres. We love how intact she feels, even after a century on the seabed. This isn't just a pile of twisted metal; you can still make out the bow, the stern, and a lot of her midsection, which really gives you a sense of her scale, 115 metres is a big ship. Drop down onto the deck and push through the slight gloom – that’s part of the charm here, a proper British wreck dive feel. Look for the triple-expansion engine, a real highlight, and we always find some good-sized conger eels tucked away in the darker recesses. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble, but when it’s good, the sheer volume of schooling fish, particularly pollack, around the superstructure is impressive. This is a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and don’t mind a bit of a current.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.002365, -5.127100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18m

Wreck History - CARMARTHEN

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
4,262 GRT

The SS Carmarthen had a brief but eventful life, born in the midst of the First World War. Launched in 1916 by W. Gray & Co Ltd, the steamship was operated by James Jenkins of Cardiff. With the war raging, merchant vessels like the Carmarthen were the lifelines of Britain, but they were also prime targets for Germany's U-boat fleet. Her service would last just over a year.

On July 26, 1917, while on a passage from Genoa bound for the River Tees with a cargo of iron ore, the Carmarthen was intercepted by the German submarine UC-47. Without warning, a torpedo struck the vessel, sealing her fate. The ship sank quickly, becoming another casualty of the unrestricted submarine warfare that defined the conflict at sea. The loss was a stark reminder of the constant danger faced by civilian sailors in wartime.

Lying at a depth of just 18 meters, the wreck of the Carmarthen is now a superb and highly accessible dive site for all qualified divers. Over a century on the seabed has left the wreck well broken up, with boilers, engine components, and sections of the hull scattered across the seafloor. This structure has created a thriving artificial reef, attracting a huge amount of marine life. Divers can explore the wreckage while spotting wrasse, pollack, and crustaceans that have taken up residence in the remains of this WWI steamship.

Marine Protected Area: Coverack Cove & Dolor 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 CARMARTHEN

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 CARMARTHEN

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 are the typical diving depths in Carmarthen Bay and nearby dive sites?
The CARMARTHEN wreck, located in Cornwall & Devon, offers a typical diving depth of 18 meters. This specific site is an intermediate-difficulty wreck dive. Information on other nearby dive sites is not provided in the current data.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Carmarthenshire?
When diving the CARMARTHEN site in Cornwall & Devon, divers can explore the impressive underwater features of a 115.8m x 15.5m steam ship vessel, sunk in 1917. This site is classified as a dangerous wreck, offering a unique historical exploration. No specific marine life data is provided for this particular dive site.
How challenging is diving in the Carmarthen area for different skill levels, especially for beginners?
Diving the CARMARTHEN wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its classification as a dangerous wreck and intermediate rating, it may not be suitable for absolute beginners. Divers should possess appropriate experience and training for wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Carmarthenshire for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the CARMARTHEN dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in the United Kingdom, you might consult broader when-to-dive resources.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive in Carmarthen Bay or other local sites?
Given that the CARMARTHEN wreck is an intermediate difficulty dive and classified as a dangerous wreck, divers would typically require advanced certifications or specialized wreck diving training. It's always recommended to check with local dive operators for specific certification requirements before planning your dive.
What are the usual currents, tides, and visibility conditions like for diving around Carmarthen?
The provided data for the CARMARTHEN dive site does not include specific details regarding usual currents, tides, or visibility conditions. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive centers for up-to-date environmental information.