CARONI RIVER (PART OF) - Cornwall & Devon

The Caroni River, what a moody old wreck. We love this site for its sheer, imposing scale, even if it is a bit of a grim reminder of wartime losses. Dropping down onto the bow, the first thing you notice is how the light changes, the superstructure just eats up the ambient glow. You’ll navigate around massive plates of corroded steel, often thick with dead man's fingers and anemones. Look for conger eels poking out from behind collapsed bulkheads – they’re everywhere here. Our favourite bit is exploring the forward holds; the sheer size of them feels cavernous, and you can really get a sense of the vessel's original purpose. It’s a site that suits divers who appreciate a substantial wreck, those who don’t mind a bit of a gloomier dive, and who are comfortable with potential strong currents that can sweep through, especially on bigger tides. This isn't a colourful coral reef, it’s a sombre, fascinating piece of history, reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.118370, -5.032711
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
21m

Wreck History - CARONI RIVER (PART OF)

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
mine

The SS Caroni River, a 1928-built tanker, met its fate in the opening months of World War II. On January 20, 1940, the vessel was fatally wounded after striking a mine in the English Channel. The powerful explosion tore the ship apart, sending it to the seabed at a depth of 21 meters, where its remains are scattered today. At the time of its loss, the tanker was owned by the British Empire Steam Navigation Co., a component of the historic Royal Mail group.

The remains of the Caroni River are a somber relic of the war. The site is officially classified as a 'Dangerous Wreck,' a designation given to wrecks that pose a potential hazard to navigation or divers due to their condition, cargo, or unexploded ordnance. This status means that diving on the wreck is often restricted. For qualified divers exploring the maritime heritage of the UK's south coast, the scattered parts of the Caroni River serve as a powerful reminder of the conflict that took place just beneath the waves.

Marine Protected Area: Swanpool

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 CARONI RIVER (PART OF)

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 CARONI RIVER (PART OF)

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