SS Louis Sheid | 12M Wreck Dive

Thurlestone is a fantastic shallow shore dive with a mixture of rocky reef, seaweed-covered rocks and sandy seabed. The gullies and rock formations are home to plenty of marine life, with the remains of small wrecks adding extra interest to the dive. A great site for exploring at a relaxed pace, making it suitable for beginners as well as more experienced divers. 

The SS Louis Sheid is a famous shallow wreck lying just off Thurlestone Beach. In December 1939, the Belgian cargo steamer rescued survivors from the torpedoed Dutch ship Tajandoen before heading inshore to escape further attack. In poor weather and limited visibility, she ran onto the rocks at Thurlestone and was eventually wrecked.

Today, the wreck is broken up but still offers plenty to explore, including sections of the hull, metal framework, propeller shaft and three boilers. The wreck and surrounding reef are home to plenty of marine life, including lobsters, wrasse, conger eels, tompot blennies and sea hares. At a maximum depth of around 12m, the Louis Sheid is a fantastic shallow wreck dive and a great introduction to wreck diving.

Dive Site Name: SS Louis Sheid Dive Type: Wreck Dive

Max Depth Seabed: 12m Depth to Wreck: Approx. 5–12m

Approximate Position: 50°15.46'N 03°51.32'W

Tonnage: 6,057 tonnes Length: 418ft Cargo: Grain & general cargo

Date Lost: 7 December 1939 How Lost: Stranded on the rocks at Thurlestone after rescuing survivors from the SS Tajandoen

Minimum Qualification: PADI Open Water Diver (Or Equivalent)