wreck

Log This Dive

IOLANTHE

The Iolanthe sits upright at 41 metres, a proper deep dive that’s worth the effort. We love the scale of this wreck; it’s a big steamship, over 99 metres long, and the bow section, in particular, makes for a dramatic entry. Dropping down, you’ll start to pick out the superstructure, usually draped in fishing nets, with the ship’s ribs creating dark alcoves. What we really enjoy here are the signs of its age – the hull plates are peeling away in places, giving you glimpses into the inner workings, and the sheer volume of life that’s colonised it. Conger eels are always lurking in the darker corners, their heads poking out from the collapsed sections, and you’ll often find large bib and pollack schooling around the stern. It's a fantastic historical dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts. A strong torch is essential to cut through the gloom and really appreciate the details. Dive it on a slack tide for the best chance to explore the expansive deck.