FRANZISKA - Cornwall & Devon

The Franziska, a steamship sunk in 1889 after a run-in with the barque ‘Honor’, sits deep at 55 metres off the Cornish coast. It's a proper technical dive, no two ways about it, but for those with the training, it’s a rewarding one. We love the eerie stillness down there; the light struggles to reach this depth, so it’s all about your torch beam picking out details. You'll find a well-preserved wreck, considering its age, with the hull largely intact and much of the superstructure still recognisable. Our favourite is exploring the bow section, where thick layers of plumose anemones cling to the metalwork, their feathery tentacles swaying gently in the subtle surge. We've often spotted conger eels tucked into the darker recesses, their heads poking out with a wary glance. Visibility here can be surprisingly good on a calm day, but always be prepared for currents, as they can pick up quickly. It's a dive that demands respect, but it gives back a real sense of history.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.469650, -2.460367
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: South of Portland

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 FRANZISKA

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 FRANZISKA

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