BLACKHEATH - Al Hoceima

The Blackheath is a big wreck, and she sits upright in a way that just begs for exploration. We love how her sheer size at only 6m deep means you can really take your time, picking apart the details. Our favourite parts are the massive boilers, draped in a carpet of orange sponges, and the way schools of glasseyes dart in and out of the darker spaces. You'll spend an easy hour just swimming circuits, spotting nudibranchs on the hull plates and watching damselfish guard their patches of algae. It’s perfect for new wreck divers, or anyone who just wants a relaxed dive with plenty to see without worrying about depth or deco. She was a British steamship, torpedoed in 1945, and the years have been kind to her, covering her in an impressive array of Mediterranean growth. The visibility here is often quite good, maybe 15m on a calm day, and the light penetration at 6m is fantastic, making everything feel bright and accessible. We'd suggest going in the morning before any boat traffic picks up; you often get the whole site to yourself. Keep an eye out for resident groupers peering out from under collapsed sections of the deck, and we’ve even seen small octopuses tucked into crevices in the cargo holds.

Location
Al Hoceima, Morocco, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.743465, -5.949033
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - BLACKHEATH

Year Sunk
1945
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
4,635 GRT

The SS Blackheath was a 4,635-ton British steamship that played a vital role during the Second World War. Built in 1936, she served diligently until the final months of the conflict. In January 1945, while sailing with the Allied Convoy UGS-67, she became a target for the German submarine U-870. On January 10, off the coast of Al Hoceima, Morocco, a torpedo from the U-boat found its mark. The explosion crippled the Blackheath, sending the vessel and its wartime cargo to the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea.

Today, the Blackheath is a remarkable and incredibly accessible piece of WWII history. The wreck rests in just 6 meters of water, making it an ideal site for novice divers and even snorkelers. The ship is broken apart but its major sections remain, allowing for a fascinating exploration of a wartime casualty. The clear Moroccan waters provide excellent visibility, showcasing the abundant marine life that has colonized the wreck over the decades, turning a relic of war into a vibrant underwater oasis.

Marine Protected Area: Complexe du Bas Tahaddart

Best Time to Dive in Al Hoceima

The warmest water temperatures in Al Hoceima occur in January, averaging 16.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.4°C (air: 13.6°C)
  • February: 16.4°C (air: 14.8°C)
  • March: 16.4°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • April: 16.4°C (air: 17.3°C)
  • May: 16.4°C (air: 19.9°C)
  • June: 16.4°C (air: 22.5°C)
  • July: 16.4°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • August: 16.4°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • September: 16.4°C (air: 23.9°C)
  • October: 16.4°C (air: 20.9°C)
  • November: 16.4°C (air: 17.6°C)
  • December: 16.4°C (air: 15.2°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Al Hoceima

Nearest Dive Centres to BLACKHEATH

Marine Life in Al Hoceima

Home to 143 recorded species including 96 reef fish, 11 octopus & squid, 10 sharks & rays, 9 whales & dolphins, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BLACKHEATH

Based on average water temperature of 16.4°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 16°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth for a blackwater dive, and how deep is the water below?
The provided data specifically describes the BLACKHEATH wreck dive site, not blackwater diving. For the BLACKHEATH wreck in Al Hoceima, Morocco, the depth is 6m. This information does not include typical depths for blackwater dives.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see during a blackwater dive?
The available data focuses on the BLACKHEATH wreck, a steam ship vessel sunk in 1945. It does not contain specific information regarding the marine life you can expect to encounter during a blackwater dive. For general marine life information, you might consult the DivePlnr wildlife database.
How difficult is blackwater diving, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The provided context describes the BLACKHEATH wreck dive, which is classified as intermediate difficulty. This data does not provide information on the difficulty of blackwater diving or its suitability for beginner divers.
What is the best time of year or moon phase to go blackwater diving for optimal sightings?
The provided data details the BLACKHEATH wreck site, including its dimensions and history. However, it does not contain any information about the best time of year or moon phases for blackwater diving. For general guidance on dive timing, you could explore when to dive resources.
What certifications are required to participate in a blackwater dive?
The information provided is specific to the BLACKHEATH wreck in Morocco. It does not specify any certifications required for participating in blackwater dives. Certifications typically depend on the dive operator and the specific dive profile.
What are the usual current and water conditions like during a blackwater dive?
The available data describes the BLACKHEATH wreck, a 127.6m x 17.3m vessel. It does not include details about usual current or water conditions for blackwater diving. Conditions can vary significantly by location and time.