ANGOLA - Northumberland & Northeast

Angola is a proper classic, the kind of wreck we love returning to in Northumberland. It's a steamship, sunk way back in 1887, and she sits upright on a sandy seabed at 16 metres. When you drop down, the first thing you notice is how intact she still feels, even after all this time. You can really get a sense of her shape, the bow and stern are distinct, and that single boiler still stands proud, a real focal point. The character of Angola comes from her age and how the North Sea has claimed her. She’s encrusted in dead man’s fingers, which glow orange and white in your torch beam, and you’ll find plenty of plumose anemones swaying in the gentle surge. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for squat lobsters, and we often spot wolf fish tucked away, just peering out. It’s a site that rewards a slow, methodical explore, tracing the deck lines, peeking into cargo holds. Best dived on slack water, of course, to fully appreciate her scale. It’s not a deep dive, making it perfect for divers who want to spend some quality time soaking in a bit of maritime history.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.533436, -3.332146
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Wreck History - ANGOLA

Year Sunk
1887
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
1,146 GRT

The SS Angola was a typical British cargo steamer of the late Victorian era. Built in Liverpool in 1880, the 1,146 GRT vessel was powered by a 120-horsepower compound steam engine, dutifully plying the trade routes of Northern Europe for her owners, Halton & Cookson of Liverpool.

On March 5th, 1887, the Angola was on a routine voyage from Hamburg to Newcastle, carrying a general cargo. As she neared the English coast, she encountered thick fog and heavy seas. The poor visibility proved fatal, and the ship ran aground on the notorious Hasborough Sands. She managed to pull free from the sandbank, but the damage was done; she was taking on water faster than her pumps could handle. The crew had no choice but to abandon ship before the Angola foundered and slipped beneath the waves, coming to rest on the seabed off the Farne Islands.

At a depth of 16 meters, the wreck of the Angola is a fantastic dive for a wide range of experience levels. While over a century of immersion has left the wreck well-broken, her most substantial components, including her single boiler and the remains of her compound engine, are still clearly identifiable. The site is a haven for marine life, with colourful anemones and soft corals adorning the metalwork. Divers exploring the wreckage are often greeted by the area's famous inquisitive grey seals, adding a memorable wildlife encounter to this historic dive.

Marine Protected Area: Liverpool Bay / Bae Lerpwl

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to ANGOLA

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