ALBERT (PART OF)
Protected Area
New Ferry
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ALBERT (PART OF) offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The Albert is less a wreck, more a scattering of history on the seabed, but we love it for its simplicity and the story it tells. Sunk way back in 1893 after tangling with the SS Eastham, what’s left of this old barge is spread out in just six metres of water. It’s perfect for a lazy rummage, especially on a sunny day when the light filters down through the green North Sea. You won’t find towering structures here. Instead, picture chunks of metal, twisted frames, and the occasional piece of machinery, all draped in a thick carpet of plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. We’ve spent many a pleasant hour poking around, spotting blennies peeking out from crevices and crabs scuttling under plates of steel. Our favourite part is the way the current, even a gentle one, makes the anemones sway, creating this soft, undulating landscape. It’s an easy dive, a great second dip, and absolutely ideal for anyone wanting to practise navigation or just enjoy some quiet time with history. Look for the older, pitted iron – that’s where the most interesting growth usually takes hold.
Typical ALBERT (PART OF) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
ALBERT (PART OF) Wreck History
Year Sunk
1893
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
collision
The Albert was a workhorse barge built in 1860 and owned by the Liverpool Steam Tug Co. Its career came to an abrupt end on February 25, 1893, when it was involved in a collision with the steamship SS Eastham near the Devils Bank Buoy. The impact sent the barge to the seabed, but as it posed a danger to other vessels in the busy shipping channel, the wreck was later dispersed with explosives. Today, resting in only 6 metres of water, the site consists of the scattered remains of the barge's hull. While not an intact wreck, it's an extremely accessible dive for novices and a fascinating glimpse into the region's 19th-century maritime traffic.
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Blue Planet Aquarium
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Delph Watersports Centre
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