ARGO (POSSIBLY)

Protected Area

Laxey Bay

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - ARGO (POSSIBLY) 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 27m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Argo, or what we believe is the Argo, is one of those wrecks that really gets under your skin. Lying at 27 metres, she’s a fishing vessel that went down in 1977. We love how her superstructure is still fairly intact, giving you a real sense of her working life before the sea claimed her. You can explore the hold, a dark cavern that often shelters a few decent-sized lobsters, and we’ve found some impressive cod lurking around the stern. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes a glorious 10 metres, other times a moody 3. We’d suggest aiming for slack water, always, and keep an eye on the local tides. Despite the often challenging conditions, the Argo is a fantastic dive for advanced open water divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, and aren't afraid of a bit of gloom. It’s a proper North Sea wreck, rugged and full of character, colonised by plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers.

Typical ARGO (POSSIBLY) 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 27m - 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.

Today06:3817:3110h 54m daylightGolden hour 16:43

ARGO (POSSIBLY) Wreck History

Year Sunk

1977

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

storm

Tonnage

148 GRT

The 'Argo' was a 148-ton trawler hailing from Fleetwood, one of the many tough fishing vessels that worked the often-unforgiving waters of the Irish Sea. Its life was one of hard work, battling the elements to bring in the day's catch. On January 19, 1977, while fishing in Laxey Bay off the Isle of Man, the 'Argo' encountered a storm it could not overcome. The vessel was lost to the sea, becoming another silent testament to the perils of the fishing industry.

Lying at 27 meters, the wreck identified as the 'Argo' is a popular site for local divers. Though time and the sea have taken their toll, its trawler shape is still discernible. The wreck attracts an abundance of marine life, with shoals of pollack and bib often seen swimming around its superstructure. Divers can explore the remains of its fishing gear and deck, imagining the vessel in its prime as it now serves as a vibrant, living reef in the heart of the bay.