CARNSEW - Cornwall & Devon

There’s something about a Cornish wreck, isn't there? The Carnsew, deep off Bull Point, is a proper dive, and one we always enjoy. She’s a decent sized steamship, down at 39 metres, perfect for those comfortable with deeper decompression obligations. What hits you first, even through the often murky green, is the sheer scale. The bow points west, and you can swim right along her length, exploring the cargo holds, now home to armies of squat lobsters. We particularly love the engine room. It’s pretty intact, a tangible connection to her sudden end back in 1916. Look out for the triple-expansion engine; it’s still remarkably defined. Around the boiler, conger eels are almost guaranteed, coiled in the gloom, their eyes glinting in your torch beam. Visibility can be a challenge here, particularly after a strong south-westerly, but when it’s good, the structure is just fantastic. It’s a great site for experienced wreck divers looking for a bit of history and plenty of resident critters.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.240166, -4.260217
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
39m

Wreck History - CARNSEW

Year Sunk
1916
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision

The SS Carnsew was a classic British steam collier built in 1910. A workhorse of the era, she was powered by a triple-expansion engine and spent her career transporting coal. On January 14th, 1916, with the First World War raging, the Carnsew was steaming from Penarth with a full load of coal. Her end came not from a German U-boat's torpedo, but from a more common maritime peril-a collision with another vessel in the busy shipping lanes off the coast of Cornwall.

Resting at a depth of 39 meters, the Carnsew is a challenging and rewarding dive reserved for experienced divers with the appropriate training and equipment for deeper exploration. The wreck's depth limits bottom time, and the site can be subject to strong currents and variable visibility, demanding careful dive planning. Those who make the descent will find the remains of a wartime collier, where they can explore the wreckage and seek out her single boiler and engine, now home to conger eels, lobsters, and dense shoals of fish.

Marine Protected Area: Morte Platform

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 CARNSEW

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 CARNSEW

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 typical diving depth at Carnsew dive site?
The typical diving depth at the Carnsew dive site is 39 meters. This depth makes it suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience for deeper dives.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Carnsew?
Divers visiting Carnsew can expect to explore a fascinating underwater feature-the wreck of a steam ship vessel. This non-dangerous wreck, measuring 54.9m x 9.1m, sank on January 14, 1916, after a collision. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How difficult is diving at Carnsew, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Carnsew is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its depth of 39 meters and the nature of wreck diving, it is not typically suitable for beginners. Divers should possess the necessary experience and certifications for intermediate and deep dives.
What is the best time of year or tidal condition to dive at Carnsew for optimal visibility and experience?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or optimal tidal conditions for diving at Carnsew to achieve optimal visibility and experience. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might consult resources on when to dive in the Cornwall & Devon region.
Are there any specific certifications required to dive at Carnsew?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed, given the intermediate difficulty and a depth of 39 meters, divers would typically require advanced open water or deep diver certifications to safely explore Carnsew. Always ensure your training aligns with the dive site's demands.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Carnsew dive site?
The available data for the Carnsew dive site does not provide specific details regarding typical currents or water conditions. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators or recent dive reports for the most up-to-date information on conditions in Cornwall & Devon.