wreck

Log This Dive

CARPETBAGGERS

Carpetbaggers. What a name for a wreck, eh? This little yacht, only 8.8 metres, went down in 1976 after a run-in with a dredger, then caught fire, which sounds like an absolutely rubbish day for its master. Today, it’s a delightful, straightforward dive in the shallows off Cornwall. We love Carpetbaggers because it’s so accessible, sitting at a maximum depth of 10 metres. You can really take your time here. The wreck itself is pretty broken up, but you can clearly make out the hull structure, draped in dead man’s fingers and sponges. Look closely, and you’ll spot velvet swimming crabs scuttling over the timbers, and often, we’ll see juvenile pollack darting through the interior. It’s not a site for grand penetration, but more a gentle exploration of marine growth reclaiming metal. Visibility here can be a bit variable, as is typical for the UK, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering through, it’s a really peaceful dive. Our top tip? Go at slack tide to avoid any current and give yourself the best chance to poke around the wreckage. It's a perfect site for newer wreck divers or those just wanting a relaxed bimble, with plenty of life tucked into every nook.