BALLINA - Northumberland & Northeast

The Ballina holds a special place for us up in the Northeast, a proper historical piece of metal from 1882. We’ve done this dive countless times and it never gets old. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, often pushing through clouds of small jellyfish on the way. The stern is generally the most intact, with a distinct list to port. We love exploring the engine room, often finding a big conger eel peering out from the darkness – definitely bring a decent torch. The propeller is usually buried, but if there's been some scour, you might catch a glimpse. Visibility here is typical for the North Sea, but we've had some cracking days with 10 metres plus. Expect a decent current, especially around the tides, so plan your dive accordingly. It’s a site for experienced wreck divers, given the depth and potential conditions. You’ll find plenty of crabs and lobsters tucked into the nooks, and we’ve seen some hefty cod patrolling the edges. For us, the Ballina offers a tangible connection to the past, a humbling experience amongst the remnants of a rough journey.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.156776, -4.244278
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
29m

Wreck History - BALLINA

Year Sunk
1882
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm

The SS Ballina was a 44-metre steamship that met its end in the unforgiving waters of the North Sea. In January 1882, the vessel departed from Liverpool, steaming towards its destination, but was caught in a severe storm that would prove fatal. Battered by ferocious winds and mountainous waves, the Ballina was overwhelmed and sank, taking her crew and cargo to the seabed and passing into maritime history.

Today, the Ballina rests at a depth of 29 metres. The wreck is classified as 'dangerous,' a designation that commands respect from any diver. This status is likely due to its age, potential for collapse, and the presence of entanglement hazards like old fishing nets. For the prepared and experienced diver, the Ballina offers a glimpse into 19th-century maritime construction. The structure, though deteriorating after more than a century underwater, provides a rich habitat for the marine life of the Northumberland coast, making it a challenging but rewarding historical dive.

Marine Protected Area: Laxey Bay

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BALLINA

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