KROSFOND - Cornwall & Devon

The Krosfond, formerly the Carmelia, is one of those wrecks that really sticks with you, a deep, dark plunge into history off the Cornish coast. Dropping onto her deck at 60 metres, it’s often an exercise in focus, the light fading fast as you descend. Built in 1904, she was sunk by a U-boat in 1917, and her age shows in the way she’s softened by the sea. What we love about the Krosfond isn’t just the depth, but the sheer scale of the ship. Her two massive boilers are still prominent, often shrouded in schooling bib or pouting, so thick sometimes you can barely see past them. We’ve found conger eels tucked into every dark crevice, their heads as thick as your arm, watching you with an ancient patience. Exploring the triple-expansion engine is a particular highlight, a marvel of early 20th-century engineering, now encrusted with jewel anemones and dead man’s fingers. This isn’t a wreck for the faint of heart or the inexperienced; it’s a serious technical dive, demanding good gas planning and solid buoyancy. But for those ready for the challenge, the Krosfond offers a profound connection to maritime history, a quiet, deep space where time seems to slow.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.041620, -5.031833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: The Manacles

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 KROSFOND

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 KROSFOND

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