CAROLUS - Cornwall & Devon

The Carolus, sitting at 56 metres, isn't a beginner's wreck, but for those with the training, she's a proper adventure. Dropping onto her deck, the first thing you notice is how intact she feels for a ship sunk in 1918. Her stern, especially, is a big draw for us, with the props still in place and usually covered in jewel anemones. We love finning over the cargo holds, imagining what she carried on her passage to Rouen, before pushing towards the impressive boilers. The sheer scale of them really hits you. Visibility can be hit or miss in the Channel, so picking a calm day with a strong tide is key here. That said, when it’s good, the light penetrating the wreck creates some dramatic scenes, illuminating the resident conger eels tucked into every dark corner. While there aren't specific "named" species, the general population of crabs, lobsters, and those surprisingly large pollack make her feel alive. She’s a satisfying deep wreck dive, perfect for technical divers who appreciate a relatively intact piece of maritime history and don't mind the chill.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.200930, -4.723133
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
56m

Wreck History - CAROLUS

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

Built in Bergen, Norway, at the turn of the 20th century, the CAROLUS was a typical steamship of her time, powered by a triple-expansion engine. For nearly two decades, she faithfully served her Norwegian owners, A/S Dampskibs Carolus, likely hauling cargo across the North Sea and Atlantic. Her career came to a sudden and violent end on January 27, 1918, during the final, brutal year of the First World War. While sailing off the coast of Cornwall, she fell victim to Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, a fate shared by thousands of Allied and neutral merchant vessels.

Lying at a depth of 56 metres, the CAROLUS is now a challenging and rewarding dive reserved for experienced technical and decompression divers. The cold, deep water has preserved the wreck well. Those qualified to make the descent are greeted by the impressive sight of her two large boilers and the hulking triple-expansion engine standing proud amidst the wreckage. Exploring the CAROLUS is a sombre journey to a casualty of the Great War, a steel testament to a conflict that reached far beneath the waves.

Marine Protected Area: Cuckoo Rock to Turbot 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 CAROLUS

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 CAROLUS

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 depth of the CAROLUS dive site?
The CAROLUS dive site is typically found at a depth of 56 meters. This makes it a deeper wreck dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the CAROLUS dive site?
The CAROLUS is a fascinating steam ship wreck, measuring 68.8m x 9.8m. Divers can explore its structure, including two boilers and a triple expansion engine, which are notable features of this historic vessel. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often attract a variety of local species.
How challenging is the CAROLUS dive site, and what is its recommended experience level?
The CAROLUS dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests it is suitable for divers who have gained some experience beyond basic certification and are comfortable with deeper wreck diving. Divers should ensure they have the necessary skills and training for such conditions.
What is the best time of year or conditions to dive the CAROLUS wreck?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or typical conditions for diving the CAROLUS wreck. For detailed information on optimal diving periods and conditions in Cornwall & Devon, it's always best to consult local dive operators or our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the CAROLUS site?
Given the CAROLUS dive site's depth of 56 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers would typically need advanced or technical diving certifications. These certifications ensure divers are trained for deeper dives and the potential challenges associated with wreck exploration. Always confirm specific requirements with your dive operator.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the CAROLUS dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the typical current or visibility conditions at the CAROLUS dive site. Divers planning to visit this Cornwall & Devon wreck should consult local dive centers for up-to-date information on prevailing conditions.