wreck

Log This Dive

PEARL (PROBABLY)

Okay, let’s be straight. The “Pearl (Probably)” isn’t your typical wreck dive. At a maximum depth of one metre, this isn't about deep penetration or chasing pelagics. This is about history, plain and simple, and getting face-to-face with a piece of the past without needing a trimix certification. We love it because it’s so accessible, so immediate. When you drop in, you’re essentially snorkelling over what’s left of a barge that foundered east of the Portsmouth anti-submarine barrier way back in 1922. The wreck itself is quite broken up, but you can still make out the general shape, the ribs of a vessel slowly dissolving back into the sea. It’s surprising how much life takes hold even in such shallow, disturbed water. We’ve seen blennies darting between the decaying timbers, crabs scuttling under plates of metal, and anemones clinging to anything solid. The light here is usually fantastic, shafting through the surface, illuminating every barnacle. It’s a photographer’s dream if you’re into macro and historical context. Our favourite time to visit is on a calm, sunny day with a slack tide – the visibility improves dramatically, and you can really take your time piecing together the story of the Pearl. It suits anyone keen on history, photographers, or those just looking for a unique splash in the shallows.