ARCTIC DAWN

The Arctic Dawn had a long and fascinating history that stretched back to the golden age of sail. Built in 1891 in Denmark as the three-masted schooner 'Jason', she spent decades plying the trade routes of Northern Europe, carrying cargo under wind power. By the mid-20th century, however, such vessels were obsolete. The ship, renamed Arctic Dawn, eventually fell into a state of disrepair.

Her final voyage occurred on July 3rd, 1957. The aging, derelict schooner was being towed, likely to a scrapyard, when she could no longer withstand the strain. She began taking on water and foundered, sinking beneath the waves off Wyke Regis on the Dorset coast.

Lying in just 6 meters of water, the Arctic Dawn is a dive into history. The classification 'Distributed remains' is accurate; the wreck is a scattered collection of timbers, frames, and iron fittings partially buried in the sand. There is no intact structure to penetrate, but for divers with a passion for maritime archaeology, it's a rewarding experience. Exploring the debris field allows one to trace the faint outline of this 19th-century sailing ship and imagine its final moments. Its shallow depth makes it a very accessible dive, though it is best explored on a calm day with good visibility.