ALBATROSS - Northumberland & Northeast

The Albatross isn't deep, not even close, but that’s precisely its charm. It’s a partially salvaged barge, sunk in 1925, and what’s left of it lies utterly broken up, scattered across the seabed at a mere metre. We love it because it’s not some grand, intact vessel; instead, it’s a sprawling, archaeological puzzle board. You’ll spend your dive picking through twisted metal plates, exposed ribs, and heavy timbers, imagining the force that ripped it apart. It’s an ideal site for a long, slow second dive or for newer drysuit divers getting comfortable with their buoyancy in shallower water. The marine life here isn’t big, but it’s busy; wrasse flit between the wreckage, small crabs scuttle under plates, and the anemones cling to every surface. On a sunny day, the light filters down, illuminating the rusty hues and making the kelp sway rhythmically around the remnants. Our favourite approach is to drop in at high slack, giving you the clearest views of the spread. Don't expect dramatic swim-throughs, but do expect a surprisingly engaging exploration of history and humble underwater life.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.344990, -2.948021
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - ALBATROSS

Year Sunk
1925
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

Lying in just one meter of water off the Northumberland coast, the remains of the barge Albatross are more of a navigational hazard than a traditional dive site, earning it a 'Dangerous Wreck' classification. It met its end on September 16, 1925, for reasons that are no longer recorded. For nearly a century, the relentless North Sea has battered its structure, leaving behind a scattered and broken debris field. While not a typical scuba destination, on the calmest of days, snorkelers or kayakers might catch a glimpse of this piece of local history resting just beneath the surface, a stark reminder of the power of the sea.

Marine Protected Area: New Ferry

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to ALBATROSS

Marine Life in Northumberland & Northeast

Home to 132 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 11 sharks & rays, 10 other, 10 seagrass & algae, 9 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species