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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Krosfond dive site?
The Krosfond dive site reaches a maximum depth of 60m. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience. Always ensure you are properly certified for dives of this depth.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Krosfond wreck?
The Krosfond wreck is a fascinating steam ship vessel, sunk on November 22, 1917. Divers can explore its impressive structure, including two boilers and a triple expansion engine, which are key features of this 78.9m x 11.3m wreck. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Krosfond dive site, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The Krosfond dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its depth of 60m and the nature of wreck diving, it is not suitable for all experience levels and requires divers to have adequate training and experience for deep and wreck environments. This site is best enjoyed by divers with advanced skills.
What is the best season or time of year to dive the Krosfond wreck for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best season or time of year to dive the Krosfond wreck for optimal conditions and visibility. Divers interested in planning their trip should consult local dive operators in Cornwall & Devon for current conditions. For general guidance on dive planning, visit our When to Dive section.
What specific diving certifications are required to dive the Krosfond wreck?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed in the data, diving the Krosfond wreck, with its maximum depth of 60m and intermediate difficulty, typically requires advanced training. Divers should possess certifications for deep diving and potentially wreck diving to safely explore this site. Always ensure your certification level matches the demands of the dive.
What are the typical current and water conditions, including visibility, at the Krosfond dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information on the typical current, water conditions, or visibility at the Krosfond dive site. For up-to-date information on these conditions, it is always best to consult with local dive centers or guides in Cornwall & Devon before planning your dive. Local expertise will provide the most accurate details for your visit.