Log This Dive

Britsum

Now, the Britsum. If you’re into proper wreck diving, not just poking around some scattered debris, this is a belter. She’s a big steamship, over 128 metres long, which means there’s a lot of ship to get your head around. We love exploring the holds, especially with the ambient light filtering down – it gives the whole place a really eerie, atmospheric feel. There are three boilers still pretty much intact, and the quadruple expansion engine is a sight, really makes you think about the engineering of the time. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss, as it often is around here, but when it’s good, you can really appreciate the scale. The wreck is a hive for critters; we’ve seen everything from schooling pollack swirling around the superstructure to hefty conger eels tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for dogfish on the sand too. Because of the sheer size, it suits divers who are comfortable with wreck penetration and have good buoyancy control. It’s a great dive for extending your bottom time, just remember to keep an eye on the tides – they can run hard here.