CARRIER - Cornwall & Devon

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.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.607940, -5.041913
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - CARRIER

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.

Marine Protected Area: Castlemartin Coast

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 CARRIER

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 CARRIER

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