wreck

Log This Dive

DIE FRAU METTA CATHARINA VON FLENSBURG

We’ve always had a soft spot for the Die Frau Metta Catharina. She’s a brigantine that went down in Plymouth Sound in 1786, a casualty of a nasty south-westerly gale. At 19 metres, it’s a comfortable dive for most, and what you find on the seabed is genuinely special. We love how well-preserved the cargo is, particularly the leather bales – you can still make out the stitching on some of them, even after all this time. It’s like diving through a submerged history book. The wreck itself is mostly broken up now, but the spread of cargo and timbers creates a fantastic habitat. You’ll weave through scattered planks and the remains of the hull, spotting dogfish tucked into crevices and plump conger eels peering out from beneath heavier sections. The visibility here can be classic UK diving – a bit green, a bit moody, but that only adds to the atmosphere. Our favourite time to dive her is on a calm slack tide, when you can really take your time examining the details. Look for the glint of pewter spoons amongst the pottery shards; they’re often there. This site is perfect for divers who appreciate history and don't mind a rummage.