wreck

Log This Dive

Wreck of U-12

Diving the U-12 is a real treat, but let’s be honest, it’s not for the faint of heart. This German Type IIB submarine, sunk in 1939 off the Eddystone Lighthouse, sits upright on the seabed, a surprisingly intact piece of history. We’ve always been drawn to wrecks that still feel like a vessel, and the U-12 absolutely delivers. You can still make out the conning tower, the deck gun, and even the torpedo tubes, all draped in a thick carpet of plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. The visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in the English Channel, but on a good day, when the sun slices through the water, it’s genuinely atmospheric. We love exploring the bow section, where schools of pollack often swirl around, and you might spot a lobster peeking out from a crevice. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, letting your eyes adjust to the low light. This isn’t a rummage for souvenirs, but an appreciation of a wartime grave. Strong currents can be a factor, so we’d always suggest timing your dive for slack water. This one is definitely for experienced wreck divers comfortable with colder water and the occasional bump.