BEECHGROVE - Northumberland & Northeast

The *Beechgrove* is a lovely wreck, accessible even on days when the North Sea is feeling a bit grumpy. She’s shallow, only 14 metres, making her perfect for longer bottom times, and brilliant for newer wreck divers to get a feel for things. We love her intact bow section, it’s really quite dramatic, still standing proud and often swarming with pollack. You can spend a good chunk of a dive here, poking around the frames, imagining the ship as she once was. The stern is a bit more broken up, but that’s where we find the big boiler, a real magnet for life. Crabs wedge themselves into every nook, and occasionally we’ve spotted a wolf fish peering out from a dark corner. Visibility can vary, of course, it's the North Sea, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering down, the light plays beautifully off the metalwork. Our favourite time to dive her is on a slack tide, gives you plenty of time to explore the full 76 metres of her length without fighting the current. She’s a great introduction to the region's wreck diving, a proper piece of history brought to life.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.175167, -5.856555
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Wreck History - BEECHGROVE

Year Sunk
1905
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision
Tonnage
1,328 GRT

The SS Beechgrove had a well-travelled career under several names before settling on the Northumberland seabed. Launched in 1880 by the renowned J. Readhead & Sons shipyard in South Shields, she was originally christened the Joseph Viney. Over the next two and a half decades, she would be renamed Lixuri, then back to Joseph Viney, before being sold to Alexander & Muir and given her final name, the Beechgrove. As a typical steam collier of her era, she was a workhorse of the British coastal trade.

Her end came abruptly on January 16, 1905. While navigating in thick fog off Newbiggin Point, the Beechgrove was involved in a catastrophic collision with the larger steamship, the SS Othello. The impact was severe, and the Beechgrove began to take on water rapidly. Fortunately, the crew had time to abandon ship and were all safely rescued before their vessel slipped beneath the waves.

Resting at a very manageable depth of 14 meters, the Beechgrove is a fantastic introduction to wreck diving in the UK. The wreck is well broken up, scattered across a sandy bottom, but her boiler stands proud and acts as a key landmark. The site is a haven for marine life, particularly crustaceans; divers should bring a torch to peer into crevices for lobsters and crabs. The wreckage provides shelter for bib, pollack, and colourful wrasse, making for a lively and interesting dive.

Marine Protected Area: Mournes Coast

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BEECHGROVE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Beechgrove?
The Beechgrove dive site, located off the coast of Northumberland & Northeast, offers a typical depth of 14 meters. This makes the wreck an accessible dive for many certified divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Beechgrove?
At Beechgrove, divers can explore the fascinating remains of a steam ship vessel, which sank on January 16, 1905. This substantial non-dangerous wreck, measuring 76.2m x 10.1m, features a boiler and a compound expansion engine. While specific marine life details are not provided in our current data, wrecks like Beechgrove typically become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting local marine life.
How difficult is the Beechgrove dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Beechgrove dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This means it is generally not suitable for beginner divers, who may require more experience and specialized training for wreck diving. Divers should possess appropriate certifications and experience to safely navigate this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at Beechgrove for optimal conditions and visibility?
Our current data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the Beechgrove dive site. For the most accurate information on when to dive, we recommend consulting local dive operators in Northumberland & Northeast or checking a when to dive guide for the region.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Beechgrove?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated for the Beechgrove dive site, its classification as an intermediate dive suggests that an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or a Wreck Diver specialty would be highly beneficial. Divers should always ensure they possess the necessary training and equipment for the conditions and type of dive.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Beechgrove dive site?
Our current data does not provide specific details regarding the typical currents or water conditions at the Beechgrove dive site. We highly recommend consulting local dive operators in Northumberland & Northeast for the most current information on local conditions before planning your dive.