wreck

Log This Dive

HMS ELK (PROBABLY)

The HMS Elk, or what we strongly suspect is the Elk, is one of those wrecks that just hits different. It’s not about pristine corals here, it’s about history, cold water, and the sheer joy of finding a solid piece of the past in the murk. Dropping down to 28m, you hit the bow first, often pushing through a curtain of bib and pollack that shimmer in the torchlight. We love exploring the stern, where the prop shaft stretches out, often home to some seriously big conger eels. What makes this wreck a standout for us is its integrity. You can trace the entire hull, even spot the anchor chain still running out from the hawse pipe. Look closely for the single boiler, it’s a classic, and the triple-expansion engine is still very much in place, a hulking mass of metal that’s become a condo for crabs and anemones. Visibility can swing wildly; we've had days where it’s 15 metres and felt like an aquarium, and others where it's 3 metres and you’re relying on touch. Slack water is key here, otherwise, you'll be battling a decent current. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the chill of a good UK wreck, suited for experienced divers comfortable with deeper profiles and the occasional low vis challenge. Bring a good torch, you'll want to poke around every nook.