ASMUND - Northumberland & Northeast

We’ve spent a lot of time poking around the Northeast wrecks, and the Asmund always feels like a bit of a secret. It’s incredibly shallow, just 3 metres, which means even on a grey day, you get decent ambient light filtering through. You're diving on history here, an old steamship that went down in 1930, built way back in 1900. What makes it special for us is how much of the structure remains, even after all these years and the constant push of the North Sea. The plates are well-broken, but you can still trace the lines of her bow and stern. We love picking through the twisted metal, finding little nooks where crabs have set up shop. The ship’s ribs, especially, are a fantastic sight, silhouetted against the surface. It’s a site for divers who appreciate the subtler beauty of a historic wreck, rather than a coral garden. The nudibranchs here are surprisingly diverse, little flashes of colour on the corroded steel. It’s the kind of dive where you can spend an hour just exploring a small section, imagining the ship in her glory. If you like your wrecks with a side of history and quiet contemplation, this is our pick.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.321500, -4.590317
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - ASMUND

Year Sunk
1931
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

The vessel that ended its days as the Asmund had a long and storied history, reflecting the changing tides of early 20th-century shipping. Built in 1900 in Hartlepool, UK, this steamship served under a succession of owners and names, including Lugond, Bolivia, Atlantis, and Lotus. Each name represented a different chapter in its 31-year career at sea.

In February 1931, its final chapter came to a close when it sank off the coast of Northumberland. The exact cause of its loss is not recorded, but the treacherous nature of the North Sea in winter suggests weather likely played a role. The ship settled in the shallows, where it has been slowly surrendering to the sea ever since.

The wreck of the Asmund is now found in the extreme shallows, at a depth of only 3 meters. This makes it a unique site, accessible to snorkelers and novice divers when sea conditions permit. Decades of wave action have broken the wreck apart, scattering its remains across the seabed. Divers won't find an intact ship, but rather a fascinating historical debris field where they can spot boilers, hull plating, and other remnants of this turn-of-the-century steamer.

Marine Protected Area: Ynys Mon/Anglesey

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to ASMUND

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Asmund dive site, and how shallow does the wreck rise?
The Asmund wreck rises to a shallow depth of 3 meters, making it quite accessible. The general depth of the dive site is also around 3 meters, allowing for extended bottom times. You can explore this fascinating steamship wreck in the Northumberland & Northeast region.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see when diving the Asmund?
Divers exploring the Asmund wreck can expect to see the impressive remains of a steamship vessel, sunk on February 5, 1931. This substantial wreck measures 112.8m x 15.5m and shows portions of its hull and superstructure. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically attract various local species, making them interesting habitats to observe.
How difficult is the Asmund wreck dive, and is it suitable for divers with an Open Water certification?
The Asmund wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. While the shallow depth of 3 meters makes it physically accessible, the 'intermediate' rating suggests it may be more suitable for divers with some experience beyond basic Open Water certification, or those with specific wreck diving training. We recommend consulting with local dive centers for current conditions and specific requirements.
What is the best time of year or tidal window to dive the Asmund wreck for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year or optimal tidal windows for diving the Asmund wreck. For current conditions and the best diving periods, we recommend checking local dive reports or contacting dive operators in the Northumberland & Northeast region. You can also find general information on when to dive on DivePlnr.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications or experience levels required to dive the Asmund?
The Asmund wreck dive is rated as intermediate in difficulty. While no specific certification beyond an Open Water equivalent is explicitly stated as required in the data, an intermediate rating typically suggests that divers should have some prior experience or consider advanced training, such as a Wreck Diver specialty, to safely and fully enjoy the site. Always dive within your training and comfort limits.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Asmund dive site?
The provided data for the Asmund dive site does not include specific details on typical current conditions or visibility. These factors can vary greatly depending on weather, tides, and local environmental conditions. For the most up-to-date information, it's always best to consult with local dive centers or guides in the Northumberland & Northeast area before planning your dive.