PRINCESS IRENE - Cornwall & Devon

Princess Irene is a lovely introduction to wreck diving. She sits shallow, just five metres deep, spread across the rocks at Brimstone. We’ve visited her a few times, always on a calm day, because those winds that sunk her can still make things lively. You’ll find her bones scattered, not an intact ship, but the remains are substantial enough to feel like a proper wreck. Rusting plates and twisted metal create little hidey-holes for the local critters. Conger eels are a common sight, peering out from under steel beams, and we’ve often spotted lobsters tucked into crevices. The way the light plays through the kelp on a sunny day, hitting the dark metal, is quite atmospheric. It’s not a big dive, but it’s a tranquil one, perfect for refining your buoyancy or just enjoying a relaxed poke around. A good pick for newer divers, or when you just want a gentle dive without the hassle of deeper, more technical wrecks.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.630440, -5.063856
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Broomhill Burrows

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 PRINCESS IRENE

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 PRINCESS IRENE

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 typical depth of the HMS Princess Irene wreck dive site?
The Princess Irene wreck dive site has a typical depth of 5 meters. This shallow depth provides excellent opportunities for extended exploration of the historical steam ship.
What kind of wreckage and marine life can divers expect to see at the Princess Irene dive site?
Divers exploring the Princess Irene can expect to see the remains of a steam ship vessel, built in 1891 and measuring 63.7m x 9.2m. This historical wreck, classified as dangerous, offers a glimpse into maritime history. Specific details about marine life inhabiting the wreck are not available in our current data.
How challenging is diving the Princess Irene wreck, and what skill level is recommended?
Diving the Princess Irene wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. We recommend that divers possess an intermediate skill level to safely and enjoyably explore this historical site.
When is the best time of year to dive the HMS Princess Irene for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the Princess Irene for optimal conditions is not available in our current data. We recommend checking local dive operators or our When to Dive section for up-to-date seasonal advice specific to the Cornwall & Devon region.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Princess Irene wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not detailed in our current data for the Princess Irene, its intermediate difficulty suggests that an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience in wreck diving is highly recommended. Always consult with a local dive center for precise requirements before planning your dive.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at the Princess Irene dive site?
Details regarding the typical currents and visibility at the Princess Irene dive site are not available in our current dataset. Divers should always check current conditions with local dive operators before planning their exploration of this historical wreck.