wreck

Log This Dive

DESIRE

The Desire wreck, resting at 19 metres in the often-chilly North Sea, is a genuine standout for us. It's a cutter, and while the official record calls it "dangerous," we think that just adds to its allure. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart or the freshly certified, but if you’ve got some wreck experience and a healthy respect for overhead environments, you'll be rewarded. What we really love about the Desire is how intact she is. You can still make out the superstructure, the hull plates, and parts of the engine room if you’re careful with your penetration. The current here can be ripping, so pick your slack tide window carefully, but when it calms, the visibility can surprise you, sometimes reaching 10-15 metres. We've seen schools of cod sheltering in the deeper recesses, and the exterior is absolutely plastered with anemones and dead man’s fingers. The way the light filters through the green water and catches the growth on the steel is quite something. Our favourite dive here was watching a pair of conger eels slink around the stern, utterly unfazed by us. Bring a good torch and keep an eye on your bottom time.