AURORA

Protected Area

Calf and Wart Bank

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - AURORA 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 30m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

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.

Typical AURORA 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 30m - 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.

Today06:4017:3410h 54m daylightGolden hour 16:45

AURORA Wreck History

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.