BARGE 31

Protected Area

Ramsey, Isle of Man

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - BARGE 31 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 38m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Barge 31 feels like a proper deep dive, a good run out from the coast and a real sense of adventure. It’s a steel hopper barge, sunk in 1925, sitting upright on a sandy seabed at 38 metres. What we love about this one is the way the light filters down, even on a bright day, creating these long, moody shadows across the deck. You can drop onto the bow, then work your way along the coaming, seeing big conger eels tucked into the dark recesses. Our favourite spot is the stern, where the prop shaft housing offers some decent penetration for experienced wreckies, but always with caution. It’s home to some impressive ling and often a few inquisitive wolf fish peering out from under the collapsed plating. This isn't a dive for the inexperienced; strong tides can rip through here, and the depth demands good air management. Plan your slack water window carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a tranquil, atmospheric wreck dive, feeling a world away from the surface chop.

Typical BARGE 31 Dive Profile

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

Safety Notes

Deep dive (38m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced 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.

Today06:3917:3210h 53m daylightGolden hour 16:43

BARGE 31 Wreck History

Year Sunk

1925

Vessel Type

barge

Cause

unknown

In the cold winter waters of the North Sea, Barge 31 met its end on January 26, 1925. Like countless other utilitarian vessels of its time, its final voyage and the specific cause of its sinking have been lost to history, though the notoriously harsh winter weather of the region was likely a contributing factor. For decades, it lay forgotten on the seabed, a minor footnote in the maritime traffic of the era.

Today, Barge 31 offers a fascinating dive for experienced divers exploring the Northumberland coast. Lying at a depth of 38 metres, the wreck is subject to the nutrient-rich currents that make this area a hotspot for marine life. The barge's structure, though simple, is now completely covered in a thick carpet of colourful anemones, hydroids, and soft corals, creating a vibrant spectacle against the green-hued water. Divers can expect to find large cod and pollack patrolling the wreck, while conger eels and lobsters make their homes within its decaying framework.