wreck

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HMS VERNON II (POSSIBLY)

The HMS Vernon II, or what we strongly suspect is her, offers a deep dive with a real sense of history. Dropping down to 47 metres, you’re looking at a substantial wooden wreck, originally a sailing first-rate built in 1855, later converted to a steamship. It's a proper expedition, demanding good planning and a calm day, but the payoff is immense. What we love about this site is the sheer scale and the way the sea has reclaimed it. Visibility, when it's good, lets you appreciate the ship’s length, 74.7 metres, sprawling across the seabed. You'll see massive timbers, dark and waterlogged, still holding their form, often draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. Our favourite part is peeking into the darker recesses, imagining the life she once held. The engine room area is particularly intriguing, though much of the machinery is long gone. Keep an eye out for conger eels nestled amongst the beams; they're almost always present. This isn't a dive for beginners, but for experienced wreck enthusiasts looking for a challenging, rewarding exploration, it’s a standout.