CARPETBAGGERS - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.647247, -1.498079
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - CARPETBAGGERS

Year Sunk
1976
Vessel Type
yacht
Cause
collision

The sinking of the yacht Carpetbaggers was a dramatic event that unfolded on a leap day, February 29, 1976. While navigating near the iconic Needles off the Isle of Wight, the vessel was involved in a serious collision with the dredger 'Kingsdale'. The impact sparked a fire onboard the yacht, forcing its master to abandon the ship as it began to sink. He was successfully rescued, but the Carpetbaggers was lost to the sea.

Resting at a depth of only 10 meters, the Carpetbaggers is now a highly accessible wreck for novice and experienced divers alike. Its shallow location allows for plenty of bottom time and good light penetration on clear days. The wreck itself is a compact site, perfect for a single-tank dive. Divers can explore the remains of this modern yacht, piecing together the story of its final moments while observing the marine life that has since claimed it as home. It serves as an excellent introduction to the rich wreck diving history of the Cornwall and Devon coastline.

Marine Protected Area: Tennyson

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 CARPETBAGGERS

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 CARPETBAGGERS

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