wreck

Log This Dive

MEAN MACHINE

We’ve always had a soft spot for the Mean Machine, even if she is just a little speedboat. Lying flat on the seabed at a comfortable 10 metres, this isn't a dive for exploring vast holds, but it’s a brilliant training ground for new wreck divers and a genuinely fun second dive. You’ll find her off Plymouth, usually requiring a boat trip out, but once you’re down, the visibility is often surprisingly good for the UK – sometimes 8 to 10 metres on a calm day. What we love about the Mean Machine is how much life she supports for such a small wreck. The whole structure is encrusted with plumose anemones, their feathery tentacles swaying with the gentle surge. Look closer, and you’ll spot gobies darting in and out of the crevices, and sometimes a grumpy crab peering out from under a fragment of hull. It’s a great spot for macro photography, or just simply enjoying a relaxed dive without the pressure of strong currents. Our favourite trick is to look for the tiny nudibranchs that graze on the hydroids near the stern – they’re often overlooked but always worth the search. Perfect for a chilled-out afternoon, especially if you’ve had a deeper, more challenging dive in the morning.