CARRIER

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Castlemartin Coast

Why dive here

With 176+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - CARRIER offers some of Cornwall & Devon's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 10-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 176+ species recorded

Water10-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 1m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Okay, so you’re looking at the Carrier, huh? We absolutely love this one for something a bit different, a proper glimpse into maritime history right off the coast. This old steamship, built way back in 1892, got herself into trouble in 1906, and now she sits in ridiculously shallow water, a ghost of her former self. Forget deep dives here. The Carrier is practically a snorkel site, topping out at a metre, sometimes less depending on the tide. This makes her incredibly accessible, and we think that’s a huge part of her charm. You’ll find her bones spread across the seabed, the ribs of her hull slowly being reclaimed by the Cornish rock. It’s a fantastic spot for photography, especially on a bright day when the sunlight filters down and illuminates the twisted metal. We often spot schools of sandeels darting through the gaps, and the crabs here are quite brazen, scuttling over the rusted plates. If you’re into exploring history without the faff of full scuba gear, or just fancy a relaxed dip with a story, the Carrier is our pick. Just be mindful of the currents, they can get a bit frisky, so check the tide tables before you head out.

Typical CARRIER Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today06:3817:3811h 0m daylightGolden hour 16:52

CARRIER Wreck History

Year Sunk

1906

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

With a history stretching back to the late Victorian era, the steamship Carrier had lived a full life under several different names. Built in 1892 as the Henri Teissier, she was later known as the Baltic and the Guyane before her final incarnation. At the time of her loss, she was owned by the Rival Granite Quarries Ltd. of London, likely used to transport stone from the rugged coasts of Cornwall and Devon.

In June 1906, her long career came to an abrupt end when she sank. Lying at a depth of just one meter, the Carrier is now a fascinating dive into the past, accessible to snorkelers and divers alike. The wreck is heavily broken up after more than a century of exposure to the relentless coastal tides and storms. Divers can explore the scattered remains, with the most prominent feature being her single boiler, a testament to the age of steam. It's a dive site where the focus is on historical archaeology, searching the shallow seabed for clues to the ship's final moments.