wreck

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WAPELLO

The *Wapello* is one of those wrecks that just keeps on giving. We’ve had some truly memorable dives here, often in conditions that initially looked a bit… gloomy. Dropping onto her at 27 metres, you quickly appreciate her scale. This tanker, built in 1912, lies broken but still recognisable, with parts of her huge hull rising off the seabed, creating overhangs and swim-throughs. Our favourite spot is usually around the stern, where you can often find conger eels peering out from gaps in the plates. The boilers are massive, testament to her 505 horsepower engine, and they’re a magnet for various fish. Schools of bib and pollack shimmer in the gloom, and if you take it slow, you’ll spot crabs tucked into every crevice. We’d suggest focusing on the structure itself, tracing the outline of her collapsed deck, letting your eyes adjust to the soft light filtering through the green water. It’s a proper historical dive; you feel the weight of time down there. Be aware of the currents, they can pick up, so picking your slack water is key for a comfortable exploration.