BLANCHE KING - North Shore

The Blanche King sits in a surprisingly shallow 10 metres, a real boon for divers who appreciate longer bottom times and excellent natural light penetration. This isn't one of those wrecks where you need to peer into the gloom. Instead, the sunlight often dances across the collapsed stern and the distinct boiler, highlighting the encrusting corals and sponges. We love the way the wreck has settled, creating a fantastic playground for smaller reef fish; you’ll often spot schools of snapper darting in and out of the broken hull plates, and the resident moray eels seem quite comfortable in their newfound homes. The Blanche King went down in 1920, and the years have softened her edges, turning a dangerous wreck into a living reef. Our favourite part has to be exploring the bow section, still somewhat intact, where you can easily picture her as a merchant vessel. Watch for the barracuda that frequently cruise overhead, using the wreck as a convenient hunting ground. It’s a site that really suits divers who enjoy a relaxed pace, plenty of ambient light, and the chance to thoroughly explore a historical wreck without the pressure of depth.

Location
North Shore, Bermuda, Caribbean
Coordinates
32.271300, -64.975650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - BLANCHE KING

Year Sunk
1920
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Blanche King was an American three-masted schooner, a graceful vessel that plied the Atlantic trade routes in the years following the First World War. Measuring nearly 60 meters in length, she was typical of the large merchant sailing ships that were still a common, though fading, sight in the age of steam.

On New Year's Day 1920, while approaching Bermuda, the Blanche King was caught in a storm. The powerful winds and waves drove the schooner onto the treacherous reefs of the island's North Shore. The vessel broke apart and sank, her cargo lost and her sailing days brought to an abrupt and violent end.

Resting in just 10 meters of water, the Blanche King is now a fantastic and highly accessible wreck dive. The vessel is broken up, with her keel, ribs, and sections of her hull scattered across the seabed, creating a fascinating underwater landscape. Its shallow depth allows for long bottom times and excellent light, making it a favorite among photographers and novice wreck divers looking to explore a piece of Bermuda's maritime history.

Marine Protected Area: Palm Island

Nearby Dive Sites in North Shore

Nearest Dive Centres to BLANCHE KING

Marine Life in North Shore

Home to 339 recorded species including 286 reef fish, 17 hard corals, 10 sharks & rays, 8 seagrass & algae, 5 other, 3 octopus & squid.

Notable Species