ALICE FISHER - Northumberland & Northeast

The *Alice Fisher* isn't one of those wrecks where you're finning through intact cabins. This wooden sailing vessel, built in 1867 and sunk in a brutal Force 8 gale in 1887, is spread across the seabed at 20 metres. It’s a proper archaeological dive, where the real joy comes from piecing together the story of a ship from its scattered remains. We love poking through the ribs and frames, trying to visualise the ship’s original structure. You’ll find sections of the hull, planks, and even some deck fittings, all heavily encrusted. The way the light filters down onto the broken timbers, especially on a bright day, makes for some atmospheric diving. Shoals of small coalfish often dart amongst the wreckage, and we've frequently spotted conger eels tucked away in the larger crevices. It's a dive that rewards slow exploration and a keen eye for detail, making it ideal for divers who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of a wreck reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.530243, -3.148835
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Wreck History - ALICE FISHER

Year Sunk
1887
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
grounding

Built in 1867, the Alice Fisher was a sturdy wooden sailing vessel that served the coastal trade routes for two decades. Her final voyage began in December 1887, when she set out from Muckross, Ireland, with a destination of Liverpool. As she neared her goal, she was caught in a vicious north-northwesterly gale, a Force 8 storm that proved too much for the ship. Battered by wind and waves, the Alice Fisher was driven onto Taylors Bank, where she ran aground and was ultimately broken apart by the sea.

Resting at a depth of 20 meters, the remains of the Alice Fisher are classified as a dangerous wreck, suggesting potential hazards like sharp debris or snagged fishing nets, which adds a layer of challenge for visiting divers. For those properly equipped, the site is a dramatic testament to the power of the sea. Exploring the scattered timbers and cargo allows divers to piece together the final, violent moments of this 19th-century vessel and pay tribute to the sailors who faced the unforgiving storm.

Marine Protected Area: Ravenmeols Hills

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to ALICE FISHER

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