wreck

Log This Dive

DORCAS

The Dorcas, a steamship that went down way back in 1883, sits upright at 20 meters, making it a surprisingly accessible bit of history for the North Sea. We love that you can still make out the superstructure, particularly the bow, which is often draped in kelp. It’s a proper wreck dive, not just a pile of debris, and because it’s been down there for so long, it's become a fantastic artificial reef. As you descend, the visibility can be variable, sometimes a murky green, other times surprisingly clear, letting you pick out the outline of the hull early on. The ship's structure is fairly intact, providing plenty of nooks and crannies for cod, pollack, and even the occasional conger eel to hide. Our favourite part is exploring the deck, imagining the final moments of this vessel, then seeing it now, reclaimed by nature. We’d suggest going at slack tide, as the currents here can really pick up, making it a much more enjoyable dive. It’s perfect for divers with a bit of wreck experience who appreciate a dive with a story and don’t mind a bit of a chillier dip.