AMBER ROSE

Protected Area

Calf and Wart Bank

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - AMBER ROSE 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 40m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Amber Rose, sitting at 40 metres, is a proper North Sea challenge, but one we always come back to. This isn't a brightly coloured reef dive, but a deep, atmospheric wreck where you feel the history. Built in '79 and sunk in '98 during rough weather, it’s a sombre reminder of the sea’s power. You drop down onto the wheelhouse, often finding a surprising amount of light filtering through the gloom, which really brings out the texture of the growth. We love exploring the intact stern, imagining the trawler working its nets. The hold is accessible, a dark cavern that often shelters big ling, and you’ll spot plumose anemones waving like ghostly fingers from every surface. The currents here can be fierce, so pick your slack water carefully. Our advice? Go on a calm day; even then, the visibility can be patchy, but when it’s good, the Amber Rose reveals her secrets beautifully. This site is for experienced wreck divers who appreciate a genuinely historical dive and don't mind the chill of the North Sea. It really grabs you.

Typical AMBER ROSE 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 (40m) - 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.

Today06:4017:3410h 54m daylightGolden hour 16:45

AMBER ROSE Wreck History

Year Sunk

1998

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

storm

The wreck of the Amber Rose is a modern tragedy and a somber reminder of the dangers of fishing in the North Sea. The 27-meter trawler was caught in rough weather off the Northumberland coast in October 1998. Despite a valiant rescue effort that saved five of her crew, one man was tragically lost with the vessel. The Amber Rose sank quickly, coming to rest on the seabed and becoming a memorial to the life it claimed.

Sitting at 40 meters, this dive is for advanced divers prepared for the challenging conditions of the North Sea. The wreck is designated as a 'Dangerous Wreck', likely due to the presence of tangled nets and fishing gear, which pose a significant entanglement hazard. For those with the requisite training and experience, the Amber Rose is a compelling dive. As a relatively recent sinking, the vessel is largely intact, allowing divers to identify features like the wheelhouse, gantry, and deck gear. It now serves as an artificial reef, attracting cod, ling, and large crustaceans to its steel structure.