wreck

Log This Dive

RELIANCE (PROBABLY)

The Reliance (probably) isn’t your typical deep-water wreck dive. This isn't a site for hitting depth or seeing pelagics. We’re talking about a shallow scramble into a cave on the east side of Portland Bill, sometimes more of an archaeological treasure hunt than a dive. The wreck, a sailing vessel that ran aground in 1949, is scattered. You’ll find bits of hull and superstructure wedged into the rocks, some pieces still remarkably intact, offering a glimpse into its final moments. Our favourite way to experience this is on a calm day, at low tide, with a good snorkel or, if you're comfortable, a very shallow freedive. The light filters in beautifully, illuminating the encrusting life – anemones, barnacles, and small crabs hiding in the shadows. It’s an intimate exploration, feeling the cold rock and the old wood. You’ll spend your time piecing together the story of the ship, imagining the storm that brought it here. This is a site for the history buffs and those who appreciate the subtle beauty of coastal erosion and marine reclamation, rather than vibrant coral or big fish.