1944–1952 · Devon, United Kingdom
The loss of the Flying Enterprise in 1952 had significant repercussions, captivating both British and American audiences with its dramatic tale of endurance and heroism. Commanded by Captain Henrik Kurt Carlsen, the ship faced a severe storm that led to a perilous list and ultimately her sinking in the English Channel.
Despite efforts to save her, including a daring rescue operation by the tug Turmoil, the vessel was lost, resulting in one casualty. Today, the wreck of the Flying Enterprise lies in the English Channel off the coast of Devon, at a depth of 85 metres. The ship is broken and poses hazards due to collapsing structures. Notable features such as her boilers remain visible.
7 of 8 facts above are cited in Sources below.
The Flying Enterprise departed Hamburg on 21 December 1951, bound for the United States with a mixed cargo and ten passengers. On 26 December, a rogue wave in the Western Approaches caused her cargo to shift, leading to a severe list and structural damage. Despite rescue efforts, including a tow by the tug Turmoil, she sank on 10 January 1952, 40 miles from Falmouth, after the towline snapped in a storm.
One passenger drowned during the evacuation.
Built 1944 by Consolidated Steel Corporation, Wilmington; 8 years in service. Lost January 10th, 1952.
The wreck of the Flying Enterprise lies on her port side at a depth of 85 metres in the English Channel. She is broken, with collapsing structures posing hazards to divers. Some cargo was salvaged in 1960, but details remain confidential.
A reference and a starting point, not a dive plan. Plan any dive with a local professional who knows the site and the conditions on the day.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water temp | 8° | 8.5° | 9° | 10.5° | 12° | 14° | 16° | 18° | 17° | 14° | 11° | 9° |
| Visibility | 5m | 5m | 6m | 7m | 9m |
A further 6 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.
Flying Enterprise is a ship wreck located off Devon, United Kingdom at a depth of 85 metres. The wreck is diveable.
Flying Enterprise lies at approximately 85 metres depth, English Channel, Devon.
As reported, diving the Flying Enterprise is rated extreme and is requires advanced technical diving qualifications including trimix certification and extensive deep wreck experience. Minimum certification: Confirm with a local operator. A reference and a starting point, not a dive plan. Plan any dive with a local professional who knows the site and the conditions on the day.
The best months to dive Flying Enterprise are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 18°C in summer.
Collapsing structures · Depth of 85 metres
| 13m |
| 15m |
| 12m |
| 8m |
| 6m |
| 5m |
| Access | poor | poor | marginal | good | good | good | good | good | good | good | marginal | poor |
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| Marine life | Minimalwinter conditions | Minimalwinter conditions | Moderateseason starting | Moderatespider crabs arriving | Goodpollack, wrasse, spider crabs, cuttlefish | Goodpollack, wrasse, spider crabs, cuttlefish | Peaklarge shoals, conger eels, spider crab aggregations, cuttlefish | Peaklarge shoals, conger eels, spider crab aggregations, cuttlefish | Goodpollack, wrasse, spider crabs, cuttlefish | Goodpollack, wrasse, conger eels | Minimalwinter conditions | Minimalwinter conditions |
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