ADGILLUS
Protected Area
West of Copeland
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ADGILLUS offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The *Adgillus* offers a genuinely different kind of wreck dive, especially for the UK. She’s a sailing vessel, sunk way back in 1874, and that age means she’s less about intact machinery and more about the ghost of a ship. We love exploring the bow, where the anchor chain still spills out into the seabed. It’s usually the first thing that really captures your attention. Dropping down, you’ll find the main structure fairly broken up, but the size, 43 metres long, gives you plenty to navigate. The stern is often home to a few inquisitive lobsters, and we’ve seen some hefty conger eels tucked into the deeper sections of the hull. Because she’s been down so long, the metalwork has softened with time, draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. It makes for fantastic wide-angle photography on a day with good visibility, which here means anything over 5 metres, to be honest. Our favourite time to dive *Adgillus* is on a slack tide, just after high water, when the current drops right off. It gives you the best chance to really absorb the atmosphere of this old girl without fighting the push. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration rather than quick penetration.
Typical ADGILLUS Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (36m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
ADGILLUS Wreck History
Year Sunk
1874
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
storm
The Adgillus is a relic from the great age of sail, her story a stark reminder of the power of the North Sea. In October 1874, the 43-meter sailing vessel departed from Liverpool, her hold filled with cargo destined for the Brass River in West Africa. Just one day into her long voyage, she was caught in a severe gale that battered the Northumberland coastline.
On October 21, the ship was overcome by the ferocious storm. Unable to withstand the wind and waves, the Adgillus foundered and sank, taking her cargo and the hopes of her crew with her. Lying at a depth of 36 meters, the wreck is a fascinating dive for those exploring the rich maritime heritage of the UK's Northeast. Divers can explore the remains of this 19th-century vessel, whose wooden or iron frame is now part of the seabed, providing a home for the area's rich marine life, including lobsters, crabs, and schooling fish.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ADGILLUS
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