ARCTIC SWAN

Protected Area

Ramsey, Isle of Man

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ARCTIC SWAN 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 21m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Arctic Swan isn't about tropical colours. It's about character, and the sheer volume of life that takes hold in cold water. This old fishing vessel, just shy of 20 metres, found its resting place in 1981 after an engine failure pushed her onto the rocks. She sits upright, pretty much intact, which we always appreciate in a wreck. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer number of plumose anemones, sometimes so thick they completely obscure the metalwork. It’s a fuzzy, white carpet, swaying gently with the surge. We love exploring the wheelhouse, it’s still very recognisable, and often you’ll find a grumpy wolf-fish peering out from a dark corner. Look for the lobsters tucked away in crevices along the hull, and the occasional ling slinking past. This is a site best enjoyed on a calm day, the visibility can be fickle, but when it’s good, the detail on the wreck is impressive. It’s a great dive for anyone who appreciates the history of a wreck and the resilience of cold-water marine life.

Typical ARCTIC SWAN Dive Profile

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

Safety Notes

Depth of 21m - Advanced Open Water 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.

Today06:3917:3210h 53m daylightGolden hour 16:43

ARCTIC SWAN Wreck History

Year Sunk

1981

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

grounding

The Arctic Swan was a Scottish fishing trawler that met its end in the notoriously challenging waters of the Farne Islands. For years, it worked the productive fishing grounds of the North Sea, a sturdy vessel typical of the local fleet. Its career came to an abrupt halt on October 24, 1981, during a severe storm that battered the Northumberland coast.

While navigating the treacherous seas, the Arctic Swan suffered a catastrophic engine failure. Powerless and at the mercy of the waves, the vessel was driven towards the Outer Farnes, eventually crashing onto the rocks of Longstone. In a dramatic rescue operation, the Seahouses lifeboat was launched, successfully saving all five crew members from the stricken trawler before it succumbed to the sea and slipped beneath the waves.

Today, the Arctic Swan is one of the most popular and beloved wrecks in the Farne Islands. It rests upright and remarkably intact on a sandy seabed at a maximum depth of 21 meters. Its manageable depth and preserved structure make it an excellent dive for all levels. The wreck is now a bustling artificial reef, with its holds and wheelhouse providing shelter for a dense population of fish, including ballan wrasse and pollack, while conger eels peer out from the pipework.