wreck

Log This Dive

HMS WATERLILY

The HMS Waterlily is a personal favourite for a reason. Sitting upright at 37 metres, this old wooden drifter is surprisingly intact, considering she’s been down since 1915. You can still make out her lines, the bow sweeping up from the seabed and the stern settling gently into the sand. We love dropping down and finding the deck, feeling the cool current pull us slowly along the length of her. Look for the single boiler standing proud midships, a dark, ghostly presence that’s become a home for conger eels and squat lobsters. Schools of bib often swirl around the superstructure, flashing silver in your torch beam. This isn’t a deep penetration wreck, but there are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore externally. Her wooden hull is covered in plumose anemones, creating a soft, feathery carpet that billows with the surge. It’s a beautiful dive, a real slice of history brought to life by the marine growth. Ideal for experienced divers comfortable with the depth and cooler UK waters, we’d suggest timing your dive for slack water to really appreciate the details without fighting the current.