APPLEGARTH - Northumberland & Northeast

The Applegarth is a proper North Sea wreck, sitting upright and mostly intact, which is always a bonus. We’ve always appreciated a wreck that still looks like a ship, even after all these years down there. Dropping onto her bow, you can still make out the anchor chains leading down into the gloom. We love navigating our way along the deck, peeking into open holds that are now home to squat lobsters and the occasional blenny. This old tug has become a really solid artificial reef. The structure itself is interesting, with plenty of nooks and crannies for exploration, but it's the marine life that truly brings it alive. We’ve seen conger eels coiled up inside broken sections, and the entire superstructure is carpeted in anemones and dead man’s fingers, swaying gently in the current. Visibility can be a typical North Sea mixed bag – one day you’re seeing the whole ship, the next it’s an intimate exploration of just a few metres. We'd suggest timing your dive with slack water to really make the most of it; it makes exploring those deeper sections much more enjoyable. This is a dive for those who appreciate history and the rugged beauty of a cold-water wreck.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.393040, -3.002182
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - APPLEGARTH

Year Sunk
1971
Vessel Type
tugboat
Cause
scuttled
Tonnage
178 GRT

Unlike most wrecks, the Applegarth did not sink by accident but was laid to rest with purpose. This historic paddle tug, built in 1914, served a long and industrious life on the River Wear. After its retirement, it was given one final job: in 1971, it was deliberately scuttled near the Sunderland docks to act as a breakwater, protecting the marina from the powerful currents and surges of the river mouth.

Today, the Applegarth is a beloved local landmark, its rusting superstructure and paddle wheels permanently breaking the surface of the water. At a depth of 0 metres, it is one of the most accessible 'wrecks' in the UK. On a high tide, snorkelers and divers can explore the submerged portions of the hull, which have transformed into a thriving micro-habitat for crabs, anemones, and small fish. It's a fascinating dive that offers a direct connection to the industrial heritage of the Northeast, allowing you to touch a piece of history that remains in plain sight.

Marine Protected Area: New Ferry

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to APPLEGARTH

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