wreck

Log This Dive

Wreck of MS Herald of Free Enterprise

The Herald of Free Enterprise isn't just a wreck; it's a piece of maritime history, chilling and fascinating in equal measure. We’re not talking tropical colours here, but a dramatic, stark beauty that really gets under your skin. This ferry, which tragically capsized in Zeebrugge in 1987, now lies on its side, a massive, imposing structure that’s a true test for advanced divers. Visibility can be temperamental in these waters, so picking your day is key. Aim for slack tide, and you might just get a twenty-metre window into its secrets. Descending, the sheer scale hits you; it’s like dropping onto a submerged city. The bow doors, famously left open, are still there, ghostly in the gloom. Inside, the car decks are vast, eerie corridors, now home to plump conger eels that peer from every opening and schools of bib that swirl through the shadows. The bridge structure is largely intact, offering glimpses into a past life. We love watching the light filter through the upper decks, illuminating the thick blanket of plumose anemones that now coat almost every surface, a stark, white contrast to the dark steel. It's a dive that demands respect, and rewards with a profound sense of place.