wreck

Log This Dive

BRITANNIA (PROBABLY)

Let's talk about the Britannia. She’s often called "Probably the Britannia" for a reason – positive ID has been a bit of a saga, but frankly, when you’re down there, you don't care much about the paperwork. This wreck, a steamship sunk in 1917, lies at a solid 37 metres, making it one for divers comfortable with a bit of depth and colder water. What we love about her is the sheer scale. At 64 metres long, she’s substantial, and despite the years, much of her structure is still recognisable. You’ll fin along her decks, spotting the huge boilers, and often, the prop shaft stretching towards the stern. The wreck has become a fantastic artificial reef. Our last visit saw huge schools of pollack swirling in and out of the hold openings, and we always find conger eels tucked into shadowy corners. Look closely at the deck plating, too; it’s usually covered in jewel anemones, tiny bursts of colour in the ambient light. Visibility can be hit or miss in the English Channel, so pick your day – slack water on a neap tide is always our preference to avoid a wild ride. The currents here can be fierce, making a drift across the wreck a possibility if you misjudge it, but equally, they bring in plenty of food for the resident fish. She’s a proper wreck dive, full of history and marine life, perfect for those who appreciate the chill of a good British dive.