ANNAGHER

Protected Area

Ballymacormick Point

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ANNAGHER 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 11m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The *Annagher* is one of our picks for a surprisingly good North Sea wreck. Not deep, just 11 metres, so you get plenty of bottom time, which is exactly what you want here. We love how intact she is, considering the conditions up here. You’ll find the bow section reasonably upright, then the triple-expansion engine and a single boiler standing proud, all draped in the usual kelp and anemones. This isn’t about huge pelagics, it’s about the smaller stuff. Look closely and you’ll spot velvet swimming crabs scuttling over the plates, dogfish lurking in the shadows, and often a flash of coalfish darting through the superstructure. The stern is a bit more broken up, but still very explorable. Visibility can be a bit hit-or-miss, as it often is off the Northumberland coast, but on a good day, when the light filters down, the greens and browns of the wreck against the sand are really quite striking. It’s a proper historical dive, good for anyone who enjoys pottering around a well-preserved piece of maritime history. Best dived on a slack tide, obviously.

Typical ANNAGHER Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

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.

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ANNAGHER Wreck History

Year Sunk

1937

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

Tonnage

569 GRT

The SS ANNAGHER was a steam collier built in 1923 in Aberdeen, Scotland. She spent her career as part of the 'Kelly's boats' fleet, owned by John Kelly Ltd. of Belfast, transporting coal along the coasts of the UK and Ireland. These small, sturdy steamers were the lifeblood of coastal trade, a common and welcome sight in ports up and down the country. With her triple-expansion steam engine, she was a typical example of the reliable cargo haulers of her time.

Her final voyage in December 1937 was a fateful one. While en route from Seaham to Londonderry with a cargo of coal, the ANNAGHER was caught in a sudden and ferocious blizzard off the Northumberland coast. Blinded by the snow and battered by the storm, she ran hard aground on the unforgiving rocks of Beadnell Point. The crew of ten were thankfully rescued in a heroic effort by the local lifeboat, but the ship herself was a total loss, breaking up where she lay under the relentless pounding of the waves.

Lying in just 11 meters of water, the remains of the ANNAGHER are now a popular and accessible dive site. The wreck is heavily broken and scattered, a testament to the power of the sea. Divers can easily identify the large boiler, the engine block, and sections of the hull plating. Its shallow depth makes for a long, relaxed dive, though it can be subject to surge. The wreckage has transformed into a vibrant oasis for marine life, with kelp forests, crustaceans, and colorful wrasse making it their home, offering a fascinating dive for all levels of experience.