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HMS Birkenhead Wreck

HMS Birkenhead Wreck

Western Province, South Africa

Depth
Depth Icon

28m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

13m - 38m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced

HMS Birkenhead Wreck

Western Province, South Africa

HMS Birkenhead Wreck
Depth
Depth Icon

28m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

13m - 38m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced


About HMS Birkenhead Wreck

This site is home to one of the very first British Iron Paddle Steamers. The HMS Birkenhead, also known as the HMS Vulcan was enroute from False Bay when she struck a rock near danger point. She sank several minutes after drowing more than 400 passengers. The wreck is fairly broken up and her remains are now home to a large variety of marine life and corals. This site is also well known for the schooling, fierce Great White SHarks so be very careful when diving here.

HMS Birkenhead Wreck Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Wreck, Shark, Other, Rock, Reef

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

28m

Visibility Range

13m 38m

Experience Level

Advanced

Best Gas Mix

21% – 37%

O2

14% at 26m / 36%

O2
Multi-Level Dive Planner
Photo gallery

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Marine Life

  • Great White Sharks
  • Groupers
  • Various
Weather Conditions

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Dive Operators near HMS Birkenhead Wreck

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Location

Location details missing.

Dive Site Hazards

  • Deceptive Entry Openings — Openings may become restrictive inside due to angle, collapse, or corrosion.

  • Surge-Induced Internal Silt Shift — Internal surge can move silt and debris without direct contact.

  • Partial Overhead Environment — Many wrecks limit direct ascent even without full penetration.

  • Fine Rust Particle Silt-Out — Disturbed rust particles can rapidly reduce visibility.

  • Situational Awareness Loss — Divers may fixate on sharks and lose depth or position awareness.

  • Subtle Behavioural Shifts — Changes in shark behaviour may be missed without active observation.

  • Blue-Water Reference Loss — Lack of visual references increases ascent and descent instability.

  • Bubble Trapping Under Overhangs — Rock overhangs can trap exhaled bubbles, reducing visibility and causing disorientation.

  • Reflected Surge Patterns — Surge reflecting off rock faces can create irregular and unpredictable water movement.

  • Current Funnel Effect — Narrow gaps between rocks can accelerate water flow unexpectedly.

  • Hidden Depth Variations — Complex reef topography can conceal depth changes, leading to unintended profile variations.

  • Distraction from Marine Activity — High fish activity can distract divers and delay depth or gas awareness.

  • Rapid Surge Direction Changes — Surge near reef structures can reverse direction quickly, pushing divers sideways into unexpected areas.

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