AVE MARIA

Protected Area

Ballyquintin Point

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - AVE MARIA 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 50m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Ave Maria sits upright on a sandy seabed, a wooden fishing vessel that found its final resting place in 2003. Dropping down, you’ll find her reasonably intact, the wheelhouse a particular draw. It’s got a real ghost-ship feel, the wood slowly decaying but still holding its form, covered in a fuzzy blanket of anemones and dead man's fingers. We love how the light filters through the structure, especially on a brighter day, illuminating the dense shoals of coalfish that swarm around the mast. This is a dive for those who appreciate the quiet dignity of a wreck. Penetration is possible for experienced divers through the wheelhouse, giving you a glimpse into the working life of the boat, but we’d suggest taking it easy and just enjoying the exterior. Look out for the resident wolf fish, often found peeking out from beneath the hull, and the occasional ling lurking in the shadows. The Ave Maria offers a classic North Sea wreck experience, a little piece of history now home to a vibrant community of marine life.

Typical AVE MARIA Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Maximum depth 50m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.

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.

Today06:4217:3610h 53m daylightGolden hour 16:47

AVE MARIA Wreck History

Year Sunk

2003

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

unknown

The AVE MARIA was a modern wooden fishing vessel built in 1973 in the renowned boat-building town of Killybegs, Ireland. For three decades, she worked the seas, powered by a 375hp engine. Her career came to an abrupt end on October 1, 2003, when she suffered a critical power loss off the Northumberland coast. Adrift and helpless, the vessel began to take on water and eventually sank, thankfully after her crew of two was safely rescued.

Now resting at a depth of 50 metres, the AVE MARIA is a challenging and rewarding dive reserved for experienced technical divers. The cold, deep waters of the North Sea have helped preserve its wooden structure. Divers who make the descent are treated to the rare sight of a complete, modern trawler. Exploring the ship's deck, wheelhouse, and fishing gear offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a North Sea fisherman and a silent testament to the power of the ocean.