ARCHBALD FINNEY

Protected Area

Outer Ards

Why dive here

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

Northumberland’s wrecks often get overlooked for the Farne Islands, but the *Archbald Finney* is one of our favourites for a solid, atmospheric dive. She’s a steamship, down since 1898 after a run-in with the SS *Pearl*, resting at 40 metres. You’ll need your drysuit, of course, and good buoyancy to make the most of her. What we love about this wreck is how intact she feels despite the years. The bow is particularly striking, still standing proud, and you can pick out the anchor chains running along the deck. Head towards the stern and you’ll find the engine room section, often holding a surprising number of wrasse darting in and out of the skeletal machinery. Visibility here, like much of the UK, can be a bit of a lottery – we’ve had days where the light filters down beautifully, illuminating the decks, and others where it’s more of a torch-lit exploration. Either way, the sheer scale of the *Archbald Finney* provides plenty to occupy a good hour on the bottom, especially for divers who appreciate the history embedded in these old ships. Look for conger eels tucked into any dark crevice, their heads peering out, always a thrill.

Typical ARCHBALD FINNEY 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.

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ARCHBALD FINNEY Wreck History

Year Sunk

1898

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

collision

Tonnage

629 GRT

The SS Archbald Finney was a steam collier built in 1893 by Fleming & Ferguson in Paisley. As a workhorse of the Victorian era, her job was to transport coal, the lifeblood of the industrial revolution, between the bustling ports of Great Britain. Owned by A. Finney & Son Ltd, she was a relatively new and sturdy vessel designed for the often-unforgiving conditions of the North Sea.

On November 28, 1898, the Archbald Finney was steaming south from Blyth with a full cargo of coal, bound for Dublin. As she navigated the waters off the Farne Islands, a thick fog descended, drastically reducing visibility. In the gloom, she steamed directly into the path of the much larger P&O passenger liner, the SS Perim. The collision was catastrophic for the smaller collier, which sank within minutes. Fortunately, the crew of the Perim acted quickly, managing to rescue all of the Archbald Finney's crew from the cold sea.

Resting at 40 metres, the Archbald Finney is a superb dive for experienced and technical divers. She sits upright and is remarkably intact for a wreck of her age. The bow and stern sections are the most impressive, and the holds are open, revealing the coal cargo that she still carries. Located in the nutrient-rich waters of the Farnes, the wreck is a haven for marine life, with colourful anemones, conger eels, lobsters, and often inquisitive wolf-fish making their home amongst the historic steelwork.