News
Divers off Cornwall discover 17th century wreck

Divers off Cornwall have discovered cannons and an anchor thought to be from one of the richest ships ever to wreck against these shores.
In 1684 the English East Indiaman the President came to grief against Loe Bar, carrying down most of her crew as well as a ‘very rich lading, modestly judged of no less than a hundred thousand pounds … with much treasure of pearl, and diamonds.’ Her loss was so great that she was even marked on the map of Cornwall produced at this period by the famous Dutch cartographer Van Keulen. The rediscovery of the site thought to be this wreck opens up a whole new chapter in the maritime history of Cornwall, linking these shores to a time when huge fortunes were made and lost in the ‘Enterprise of the Indies.’
David Gibbins, who heads the organisation Cornwall Maritime Archaeology along with Mark Milburn, takes up the story:
“The site was first reported by divers twenty years ago and was designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Mark and I are licenced by Historic England to monitor the wreck, but for many years it has been covered by sand. The recent period of calm weather has allowed us to dive off Loe Bar for the first time in months. We were thrilled to see seven cannon and an anchor, and quickly realised that we were looking at a new part of the site that had never before been recorded. You might think that all the important wreck artefacts off this coast have been found by now, but that is not the case. With every storm the sand can shift to reveal new treasures. It was incredibly exciting to see something that nobody has seen before.”

View of Loe Bar. Photo: David Gibbins

The location of the wreck of the President marked on a map of Cornwall by Van Keulen of the late 17th century. Photo: David Gibbins
The President has a remarkably detailed backstory because a pamphlet was published that year based on the accounts of the survivors: ‘A full ACCOUNT Of the late Ship-wreck of the Ship called The PRESIDENT: Which was cast away in Montz-Bay in Cornwal On the 4th of February last, As it was deliver’d to HIS MAJESTY, (both in Writing and Discourse) By William Smith and John Harshfield, the only Persons that escaped in the said Wreck.’
It tells of a desperate sea battle off the Malabar Coast of India with six pirate ships, in which a roundshot from the President penetrated the powder magazine of one of the pirate vessels and blew it up. Gibbins continued:
“Cannons are common finds on the wrecks of merchant ships from the Age of Sail, a time when most ships were armed. But its very unusual to know that guns on a merchantmen were actually used, especially in such a colourful action and on the very voyage on which the ship was wrecked. It gives a special excitement to seeing these guns for the first time underwater.”

Two cannon on the wreck. Photo: Mark Milburn
Further diving is planned at the site. To follow the team’s progress and see more photos and video, go to www.facebook.com/cornwallmaritimearchaeology.
News
The ‘Big Scuba Day Out’ – The Ultimate Day for Water Lovers!

Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure, exploration, and all things scuba and watersports! Oyster Diving’s Big Scuba Day Out is taking place on Sunday, 4th May 2025, at Mercers Park, near London —and best of all, entry is completely FREE!
Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a total beginner, or just looking for a fun day out by the water, this event has something for everyone — including lovely walks around the lake with your four-legged friends!
Come and experience the latest dive gear from some of the world’s leading brands, including Santi, Suex, Apeks, Aqualung, Garmin, GoPro and XDeep. Get hands-on with dive scooters, cutting-edge dive computers, and high-performance gear designed to take your underwater adventures to the next level.
Take part in fun dives with expert guides try out other exclusive demo kit. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, try out new equipment, or simply enjoy the stunning underwater world of Mercers Park, this is the perfect opportunity.
A special raffle in aid of the Shark Trust will include prizes such as PADI branded goodies, Apeks 30m reel and wet notes, and Shearwater Peregrine TX worth £689!
As a special highlight for those wanting to “live the dream”, Course Director Mark Taylor and PADI Regional Manager Emma Samuelsson will be giving an exclusive talk at 12:00 PM about how to become a PADI Pro, including Divemaster and Instructor pathways. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for diving into a career, this is the perfect chance to get insider knowledge from one of the best in the industry.
Not just for divers, the Big Scuba Day Out also offers a variety of watersports courtesy of www.aquasports.co.uk. Try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding, or other exciting water activities.
After all the action, relax on the beautiful lake terrace, where you can enjoy a selection of delicious food and licensed bar while soaking in the breathtaking views.
Don’t miss this incredible day of diving, watersports, and fun for the whole family. For full details and to register your interest, visit Oyster Diving’s website. https://oysterdiving.com/diving-club/uk-diving-trips/the-big-scuba-day-out-4th-may/.
News
Experience a night Dive at the West Rock Shipwreck with Euro-Divers

There’s something magical about night diving— the ocean transforms into a whole new world, alive with mystery and wonder. At Euro-Divers Meeru, we love sharing this unique experience with our guests, and the West Rock Shipwreck is one of our favourite sites for night diving.
Here’s why:
Setting the Scene
The adventure begins at 17:30 as divers gather on the boat. After thoroughly checking our equipment, the boat departs for the dive site. The 15-minute journey is a treat, with the calm sea and the soft glow of the setting sun creating the perfect atmosphere.
Arriving at West Rock, the boat gently moors above the wreck. As our team briefs you on the dive, we will walk you through the special night diving techniques, such as using a torch and maintaining buddy contact, ensuring you feel confident and prepared. While we wait for the sun to set, there is time to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and take in the breathtaking colours of the Maldivian sunset.
The Dive Begins
Once darkness settles, it’s time to dive. The West Rock Shipwreck—a small cargo freighter sunk in 1999—rests at 20 meters on a sandy plateau. Over the years, it has become a vibrant reef, teeming with marine life.
As we descend, the beams of our torches cut through the dark water, revealing the wreck’s coral-covered surfaces. It is always thrilling to see the wreck come to life under the light. Colourful nudibranchs, scorpionfish, frogfish, and shrimps are just a few of the creatures that call this wreck home.
We often find parrotfish and pufferfish inside the wreck settled in for the night, while lionfish and moray eels lurk in the shadows. We frequently spot larger residents, too—Napoleon wrasse or even a resting nurse shark, peacefully tucked away beneath the ship’s hull. Every corner of the wreck offers something new to discover.
Underwater Galaxy
As the dive comes to an end, we have one final highlight to share. During the safety stop at 5 metres, we may ask you to switch off your torch and gently move your hands through the water. This action stirs up bioluminescent plankton, lighting up like tiny stars surrounding you— a magical, otherworldly experience that never fails to amaze.
Post-Dive Bliss
Emerging from the dive, we are welcomed by the cool night air and a canopy of stars. The boat crew helps us as we climb aboard, where hot tea or coffee awaits to warm us up. The journey back to shore is filled with shared stories and a sense of camaraderie that only diving together can create.
Night dives like this one at the West Rock Shipwreck offer more than just an exploration of marine life; they remind us of the beauty and mystery of the underwater world.
For more information, contact the Euro-Divers Meeru team at meeru@euro-divers.com or visit www.euro-divers.com.
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