wreck

Log This Dive

HIGHLAND LASSIE

There’s something truly evocative about diving a wreck with history, and the Highland Lassie certainly delivers. This isn’t a massive cargo ship, but a graceful wooden schooner, built in 1865 and sunk in 1879. You really feel that age when you descend onto her. At 20 meters, it’s an easy dive, perfect for most certified divers looking for a bit of maritime archaeology. What we love is the way the Indian Ocean has reclaimed her. The wooden hull is well broken down now, but the ribs and framework are still visible, especially the bow and stern sections, creating these fantastic nooks and crannies. Look for lionfish tucked into the shadows, and we’ve often seen big grouper patrolling the perimeter. Schools of snapper and fusiliers are usually swirling around the main structure. It’s not about penetration here, but about appreciating the skeletal remains and the life that thrives on them. Our favourite part is often finding fragments of old pottery or glass bottles half-buried in the sand nearby, little clues to her past life. It’s a peaceful dive, often with good visibility, making it a great spot for photographers too.