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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for recreational divers exploring the USS Oriskany dive site?
Information regarding the typical depths for the USS Oriskany dive site is not available in our current context. However, for the CARRIER wreck in Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, recreational divers can explore at a depth of 1 meter.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see when diving the USS Oriskany?
Details on marine life and specific wreck features for the USS Oriskany are not provided in the available data. For the CARRIER wreck, divers can expect to explore a steam ship vessel, sunk on June 28, 1906, measuring 43m x 6.8m, and featuring one boiler with triple expansion engines. The wreck is classified as showing any portion of hull or superstructure.
How challenging is the USS Oriskany as a dive site, and what level of diver experience is recommended?
The challenge level for the USS Oriskany is not specified in our current data. In contrast, the CARRIER wreck in Cornwall & Devon is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, suitable for divers with some prior experience.
What is the best time of year to dive the USS Oriskany for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the USS Oriskany for optimal conditions and visibility is not available in the provided context. For general guidance on optimal diving conditions, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What specific diving certifications and minimum logged dives are required to dive the USS Oriskany?
Specific diving certifications and minimum logged dives required for the USS Oriskany are not detailed in the available data. For the CARRIER wreck, given its intermediate difficulty and shallow depth of 1 meter, standard open water certification is generally sufficient, though intermediate experience is recommended.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility divers might encounter at the USS Oriskany wreck?
Typical current conditions and visibility for the USS Oriskany wreck are not provided in our current information. Divers planning to explore any wreck, such as the CARRIER wreck, should always check local conditions and forecasts before diving.