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ELENA R

The Elena R is a proper dive, one that earns its ‘standout’ tier. This isn't some quaint little fishing boat; we're talking about a serious steamship, 112 metres of history resting at 29 metres. Dropping down, you really get a sense of its scale. We love exploring the bow, where the anchor chains spill out onto the seabed, and the twin boilers are always a striking sight, looming dark and cylindrical amidst the gloom. The triple expansion engine is a complex jumble of iron, now home to plump conger eels and squat lobsters tucked into every crevice. Visibility can be a bit hit-and-miss here, as with many UK wrecks, but on a good day, the structure comes into sharp relief, and the light filtering down catches the jewel anemones that carpet parts of the deck. This is a dive for those who appreciate the weight of history and the silent, slow reclamation by the sea. Expect strong currents at times; slack water is your friend here, making the penetration into the deeper holds a much calmer affair. It’s a rewarding wreck, full of character, and certainly one of our favourites in the area when the conditions play ball.