AURORA - Northumberland & Northeast

Okay, so "wreck" conjures up images of grand liners or mighty warships, right? Well, the Aurora is a delightful curveball. This isn't some colossal hulk, it’s a 20-foot open boat, sitting upright at 30 metres, looking almost as if its owner just popped to the shop. It went down pretty recently, in 2011, which means it’s still very much a boat. We love how intact it is. You can peer into the small cabin, even spot the remains of a console. It’s got that slightly melancholy, untouched feel to it, a real little time capsule. The prop is still there, the anchor chain trails off a bit, and everything is slowly but surely being reclaimed by the North Sea. While it won't overwhelm you with dramatic structure, it's a brilliant little spot for photography and for experiencing a genuinely peaceful wreck dive. It’s small enough that you can properly explore every angle in a single dive. Keep an eye out for the plumose anemones, they're starting to grow in beautiful white clusters, and we’ve often seen small cod and blennies tucked into what’s left of the deck. This is a great site for divers who appreciate the quiet dignity of a wreck and enjoy a more intimate exploration rather than a sprawling industrial site.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.051834, -4.775333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

Wreck History - AURORA

Year Sunk
2011
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The story of this Aurora is a modern and dramatic tale of survival at sea. In April 2011, the 6-meter open boat found itself in grave trouble off the Northumberland coast. Rapidly taking on water, the two-person crew sent out a mayday distress call before their small vessel succumbed to the waves and sank. Fortunately, the call was heard, and the crew was successfully rescued by the fishing vessel 'Two Girls', a testament to the solidarity of mariners in the region.

Resting at a depth of 30 meters, the wreck of this small motorboat offers a unique and concise dive. Given its small size, divers can explore the entire site in a short amount of time, making it an excellent objective for a second dive of the day. While not a large, imposing wreck, it serves as a poignant reminder of the sea's power. Divers can inspect the small hull and imagine the vessel's final moments before ascending, with plenty of no-deco time to spare.

Marine Protected Area: Calf and Wart Bank

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to AURORA

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