wreck

Log This Dive

James Egan Layne

The James Egan Layne is a proper wreck dive, one we always enjoy heading back to when conditions allow. At 20m, it’s accessible for most intermediate divers and gives you a good half-hour bottom time on a single tank. The wreck is pretty broken up, but that’s part of its charm. You can swim through a few sections and explore the holds, which are often packed with bib and pouting. We love spotting the resident conger eels tucked into the darker corners – sometimes you’ll see a hefty one peeking out, almost camouflaged against the rust. What really makes the Layne special is the way nature has reclaimed it. Anemones, dead man's fingers, and colourful sponges coat almost every surface, turning the twisted metal into a vibrant, living reef. Visibility here can be a bit hit or miss; aim for neap tides and a calm spell for the best experience. On a good day, with sun streaming through the green water, the atmosphere inside the holds is genuinely cool, almost cathedral-like. It’s a rewarding dive, offering a tangible connection to history and a thriving artificial reef all in one.