DIE FRAU METTA CATHARINA VON FLENSBURG - Cornwall & Devon

We’ve always had a soft spot for the Die Frau Metta Catharina. She’s a brigantine that went down in Plymouth Sound in 1786, a casualty of a nasty south-westerly gale. At 19 metres, it’s a comfortable dive for most, and what you find on the seabed is genuinely special. We love how well-preserved the cargo is, particularly the leather bales – you can still make out the stitching on some of them, even after all this time. It’s like diving through a submerged history book. The wreck itself is mostly broken up now, but the spread of cargo and timbers creates a fantastic habitat. You’ll weave through scattered planks and the remains of the hull, spotting dogfish tucked into crevices and plump conger eels peering out from beneath heavier sections. The visibility here can be classic UK diving – a bit green, a bit moody, but that only adds to the atmosphere. Our favourite time to dive her is on a calm slack tide, when you can really take your time examining the details. Look for the glint of pewter spoons amongst the pottery shards; they’re often there. This site is perfect for divers who appreciate history and don't mind a rummage.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.352165, -4.163200
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
19m

Marine Protected Area: Western King

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 DIE FRAU METTA CATHARINA VON FLENSBURG

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 DIE FRAU METTA CATHARINA VON FLENSBURG

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