ALEXANDRA

Protected Area

Ynys Mon/Anglesey

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ALEXANDRA 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 5m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Alexandra wreck off Northumberland isn't about depth or big pelagics, it’s about a piece of history and the creatures that have made it home. We love a shallow wreck, especially when it's easily accessible and offers something tangible to explore. Sunk way back in 1871, this old steamship is now spread across the seabed in Holyhead Bay, resting in a mere 5 metres. You'll find ribs and plating scattered across the rocky bottom, with some larger sections still recognisable, hinting at her former structure. What we really enjoy here is getting up close with the resident critters. Look into every nook and cranny; the metalwork is covered in anemones, dead man's fingers, and colourful sponges. We’ve spotted crabs scuttling amongst the plates and blennies darting into holes. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for extended bottom times, and fantastic for photographers keen on macro subjects or those just starting out with wreck diving. The visibility can vary, so we always check conditions before heading out, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the shallow water, illuminating the wreck and its inhabitants.

Typical ALEXANDRA 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.

Today06:3817:3410h 56m daylightGolden hour 16:46

ALEXANDRA Wreck History

Year Sunk

1871

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

The Alexandra was a steamship that met a dramatic end on February 10, 1871. During a fierce storm, the vessel was driven onto the treacherous Cliperau Rocks in Holyhead Bay, Wales. As the ship was battered by the waves and began to break apart, a heroic rescue was mounted. In a testament to their skill and bravery, the crew of the Holyhead Lifeboat battled the severe conditions and successfully rescued all 23 people on board, ensuring there was no loss of life in the disaster.

Today, the remains of the Alexandra lie in just 5 metres of water. After more than 150 years of exposure to the elements, the wreck is heavily broken and scattered across the seabed. Divers can explore the wreckage, which is now well-camouflaged by marine growth, searching for recognisable features of the 19th-century steamship like boilers or sections of the hull. The shallow depth makes it an ideal dive for a sunny day, offering a glimpse into a dramatic moment of local maritime history.