ANGLOMAN (POSSIBLY) - Northumberland & Northeast

The *Angloman*, or what we strongly suspect is her, sits in the kind of shallow water that makes for surprisingly good diving. At a maximum of 8 metres, you’re looking at long bottom times, which is great because there’s a lot of metal spread out down there. We particularly love the sheer scale of it, even if it is quite broken up. You’ll find the three boilers, still impressive, and the triple-expansion engine standing proud, often swarming with small cod and inquisitive wrasse. Dive it on a calm day, ideally with a bit of sunshine, and the visibility can actually be quite decent, letting you pick out the details of the hull plates. We’ve seen conger eels tucked into some of the darker crevices and massive edible crabs scuttling over the debris. It’s not a deep, dramatic wall, but it’s a brilliant rummage dive for anyone who appreciates the history of these old steamships and doesn’t mind getting up close and personal with the structure.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.418533, -4.609967
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - ANGLOMAN (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1897
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
4,792 GRT

The SS Angloman was a modern steamship for her time, built in 1892 by the renowned Laird Brothers shipyard for the Dominion Line's transatlantic routes. A substantial vessel of 4,792 GRT, she was powered by a triple-expansion steam engine fed by three boilers, representing the pinnacle of late 19th-century marine engineering. She served her owners for five years, a reliable part of the vital trade network connecting Britain with North America.

In February 1897, the Angloman's career came to an abrupt end. While on a voyage from Liverpool to Newcastle, she sailed into a fierce blizzard off the Northumberland coast. Blinded by the snow and battered by heavy seas, the vessel ran hard aground on the treacherous rocks known as the Scars, near Whitley Bay. Fortunately, the entire crew was rescued from the stricken ship, but the Angloman was a total loss, eventually breaking apart under the relentless force of the sea.

Today, the remains of the Angloman lie scattered in just 8 meters of water, making for a fascinating and accessible shallow dive. Years of storms have flattened the wreck, but divers can still identify key features like her three large boilers, sections of the hull plating, and components of her powerful engine. The wreckage has created a thriving artificial reef, providing a home for crabs, lobsters, and a variety of fish, all set against the dramatic backdrop of this historic steamship.

Marine Protected Area: The Skerries

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to ANGLOMAN (POSSIBLY)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Angloman dive site, and what are the depths of its main structures?
The maximum depth of the Angloman dive site is 8 meters. As a steam ship vessel, its main structures, including three boilers and a triple expansion engine, are found at this relatively shallow depth.
What kind of marine life and underwater structures can divers expect to see at the Angloman dive site?
Divers at the Angloman site can explore the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel, built in 1892 and sunk in 1897. Key underwater structures include its three boilers and a triple expansion engine, spread across its significant 123.1m x 14m dimensions. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically attract a diverse array of species over time.
What is the difficulty level for diving the Angloman site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Angloman dive site is classified with an intermediate difficulty level. Due to this classification, it is generally not recommended for beginner divers who may lack the experience required for such conditions. Divers should ensure they have appropriate training and experience for intermediate wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive the Angloman site for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Angloman site for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the Northumberland & Northeast region, you might consult general when-to-dive resources.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Angloman site?
Given the Angloman site's intermediate difficulty and classification as a dangerous wreck, divers should possess certifications beyond entry-level. Advanced open water certification and specialized wreck diving training are highly recommended to safely navigate and explore this site. Always ensure your training aligns with the challenges of a dangerous wreck.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Angloman dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the Angloman dive site. Divers planning to visit this wreck should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before their dive.