ALBION (PROBABLY)

Protected Area

Great Orme

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ALBION (PROBABLY) offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 118+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 39m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Alright, the Albion. This one is less about the ship itself, and more about the hunt. You’re heading out with a decent chance of finding something from 1871, a wooden hull steamer. We love a good mystery, and this site definitely delivers on that front. You drop down onto what feels like a debris field, scattered timbers and plates, a real jumble. It’s a proper archaeological dive, you’re piecing together history as you go. The stand-out here is the boiler, usually the most intact part, and often a good indicator you’re in the right spot. Around that, we've found conger eels tucked into the framework, and decent sized crabs scuttling over the plates. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering down, the beams and planks are surprisingly atmospheric. Our favourite is spotting the smaller details, the stray fittings and bolts that tell a story of a ship that foundered carrying bagged flour. It’s a dive for those who enjoy exploration, the thrill of discovery, and a bit of a challenge at 39 meters. This isn’t a colourful reef, it’s a sombre, fascinating piece of the past.

Typical ALBION (PROBABLY) 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 (39m) - 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.

Today06:3517:3010h 55m daylightGolden hour 16:42

ALBION (PROBABLY) Wreck History

Year Sunk

1887

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

unknown

Resting in the deep, cold waters off the Northumberland coast lies the wreck of a wooden-hulled steamship, believed to be the Albion. This was not one of the famed Royal Navy warships of the same name, but a hardworking merchant vessel owned by J. Lindsay of Newcastle upon Tyne. In December 1887, while on a passage from Liverpool to Bridgewater with a hold full of cargo, she met her end. The specific circumstances of her sinking remain a mystery, leaving a final, unanswered chapter in her story.

At a depth of 39 metres, the Albion is a challenging and rewarding dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts. The dark, cool waters have helped preserve her wooden hull, a rare sight for a vessel from the age of steam. Divers exploring the site can trace the outlines of her form, seeking out the single boiler and compound expansion engine that once powered her across the seas. The cargo she was carrying is long gone or buried, but the wreck itself is a fascinating time capsule from the late Victorian era, offering a glimpse into the maritime trade that was the lifeblood of the United Kingdom.