ALLIANCE

Protected Area

Samuel's Port

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ALLIANCE 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 31m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Alliance is one of those wrecks that just hits right for us. It’s a trawler, nothing fancy, but she went down in February 1997 while under tow, in what sounds like a proper mess of moderate seas. That backstory gives her a real character before you even get in the water. She sits upright, pretty much intact, at 31 metres. It’s a deep enough dive to feel like an expedition, but not so deep it eats up your bottom time in minutes. We love how quickly she’s become a part of the seabed. You’ll find walls of plumose anemones, especially on the bow and stern, just pulsating in the current. Ling often hide in the darker recesses, and we’ve spotted some impressively sized edible crabs scuttling amongst the plates. Entry can be a bit bumpy depending on the prevailing conditions; it’s the North Sea after all, so pick your day carefully. Our favourite time to dive her is on a slack tide, mid-week, to avoid any potential crowds and enjoy the wreck in peace. It’s a proper solid wreck dive for those who appreciate history and natural colonisation, rather than just fish soup.

Typical ALLIANCE 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 (31m) - 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.

Today06:4417:3810h 54m daylightGolden hour 16:49

ALLIANCE Wreck History

Year Sunk

1997

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

storm

The Alliance was a 21-meter trawler whose final journey came to an abrupt end on February 12, 1997. While being towed through the often-unforgiving waters of the North Sea, the vessel was overcome by moderate seas. She foundered and sank, coming to rest on the seabed off the coast of Northumberland. As a relatively modern loss, her story is not one of wartime conflict but a simple, stark reminder of the power of the sea.

Today, the Alliance sits upright at a depth of 31 meters, making her an exciting destination for experienced divers. Over the decades, she has transformed from a tragic loss into a thriving artificial reef. The structure is often draped in anemones and soft corals, and the wreck provides shelter for schools of fish, crabs, and lobsters. Divers can explore the trawler's deck, peer into its holds, and appreciate the rapid colonization by marine life. Its classification as a "Dangerous Wreck" means divers should be cautious of snagged fishing gear and the natural decay of its structure.