wreck

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WAR GRANGE

The *War Grange* is one of those frustratingly good wrecks. She’s a big steamship, torpedoed back in 1918 by U-55, and while she was originally beached, they tried to tow her away for repairs. That’s why she lies where she does today, well within recreational limits at 14 metres. We love the way the wreck has settled; it’s broken but still very much a ship, not just a pile of rubble. You can make out the bow, which really retains its shape, and the stern, though a bit more collapsed, still offers some good penetration points if you’re appropriately qualified and mindful of the silty bottom. This is a dive where you can easily spend an hour just exploring the different sections, watching the light play through the gaps in the plating. On a good day, visibility can push 10 metres, and the wreck draws in plenty of local life. We often find conger eels tucked into the darker nooks, their heads peeking out, and plenty of bib and pollack darting between the frames. The anemones that have colonised the metalwork add a surprising splash of colour against the rust. This is a dive for those who appreciate the history and structure of a wreck, rather than just zooming past. It’s perfect for divers with some experience in UK waters, comfortable with mild currents, and who enjoy a relaxed exploration rather than a frantic dash. Our top tip: go on a rising tide for the clearest water and easier navigation back to the boat.