wreck

Log This Dive

DUTTON

Dutton isn't about depth; it's about history you can touch, quite literally. This East Indiaman, wrecked in 1796, lies so shallow it’s often visible from the surface at low tide, tucked right under Plymouth Citadel. We love how accessible it is, offering a fascinating peek into maritime history without needing a full dive kit. You'll find the remains of the hull scattered across the rocks, timbers dark with age and encrusted with barnacles. We particularly enjoy poking around the larger sections of planking, imagining the chaos of that stormy January night when she broke from her anchors with 500 souls aboard. It’s not a site for big pelagics, but look closely and you’ll spot blennies darting between crevices and anemones swaying on the older timbers. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny day when the water is clearer, allowing sunlight to penetrate right to the seabed, illuminating the wreck’s ghostly form. It’s perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, or even just a low-tide paddle with a mask and snorkel.