ARDLOUGH

Protected Area

Great Orme

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ARDLOUGH 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 39m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Ardlogh is one of those wrecks that just keeps delivering. She sits upright, pretty much intact, and really makes you feel like you've stumbled onto a forgotten piece of history. We love that you can still make out her original shape – the stern section is particularly interesting, with the prop shaft still visible. Drop down to the main deck and you'll find it's a bustling apartment complex for local fish; a few times we've had a curious wolf fish peer out from a dark corner, then slowly retreat. Our favourite part is exploring the holds, they’re big and open, and you often find schools of pollock circling inside, sometimes a few wrasse dart about too. It’s a proper dive, pushing just shy of 40 metres, so it’s one for the more experienced cold-water wreckies. We’d suggest hitting it on a neap tide for the best visibility and a more relaxed drift along her length. Just remember, she's a big girl, so you’ll need a few dives to properly get acquainted.

Typical ARDLOUGH 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 (39m) - 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.

Today06:3517:3010h 55m daylightGolden hour 16:43

ARDLOUGH Wreck History

Year Sunk

1988

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

storm

Tonnage

999 GRT

The MV Ardlough had a varied and international career spanning two decades. Built in 1968 at the Schlichting Werft in East Germany, it began life as the Barbel Bolten. Over the years, it changed hands and names several times, also sailing as the Theano and the Ekenis before finally being registered as the Ardlough. This journey reflects the global nature of maritime trade in the late 20th century.

In September 1988, the Ardlough was battling heavy weather in the North Sea when it began taking on water. Despite the crew's desperate efforts, the ship foundered and sank on September 26th. Tragically, all six members of its crew were lost to the storm, adding a somber chapter to the ship's long history. The sinking was a stark reminder of the unforgiving power of the sea.

Today, the Ardlough rests at 39 meters off the Northumberland coast, making it an excellent dive for advanced and technical divers. The wreck is largely intact and sits upright on the seabed, offering a clear layout of a modern cargo vessel. Divers can explore its superstructure, holds, and deck machinery, which are now draped in anemones and home to a variety of fish and crustaceans. Visiting the Ardlough is not just an exploration of a shipwreck, but a moment to reflect and pay respects to the six sailors who went down with their ship.