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Wreck of Kléber

The Kléber, a French cruiser sunk in 1917, is one of those wrecks that just keeps giving. For divers who love exploring a proper structure, not just a pile of rubble, this is a firm favourite in British waters. We think the bow section is particularly dramatic, sitting upright and often shrouded in green light, with the massive anchor chains still running out. Drop deeper along the hull and you’ll find plenty of open access points to peer inside, though penetration should only be attempted by experienced wreck divers on appropriate gas. What we really love about the Kléber is how nature has completely taken over. Giant plumose anemones smother the deck guns, waving gently in the current, and dogfish are almost guaranteed to be snoozing in the darker corners. The swim throughs are often packed with bib and pouting, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a conger eel peeking out from a pipe. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for the English Channel, but even on murkier days, the sheer scale of the wreck provides a compelling dive. Best done on slack water to really appreciate the structure.