BELLATRIX - Northumberland & Northeast

Okay, so Bellatrix. This isn't one for your deep wreck enthusiasts, but it's a beauty in its own right, especially for newer divers or anyone who just wants a relaxed poke around. It’s a fishing vessel, only 10.9m long, and it sank after a fire, settling upright on the seabed at a gentle 7 metres. You’ll spot the superstructure still largely intact; the wheelhouse is a highlight, surprisingly complete, and we’ve spent ages just peering in through the windows. What we love most here is the way the light filters down, especially on a sunny day, illuminating the deck and creating these dancing patterns across the rust and the anemones. The wreck is absolutely carpeted in plumose anemones, creating a soft, colourful fuzz over every surface. Keep an eye out for blennies darting in and out of crevices, and we’ve often found small crabs scuttling across the deck. It’s a very calm dive, ideal for working on buoyancy or just enjoying the simple pleasure of a well-preserved, accessible wreck. If you're looking for a gentle introduction to wreck diving, Bellatrix is a fantastic choice; just check the tides for slack water to get the best visibility.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.672333, -5.786333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Wreck History - BELLATRIX

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
fire

The Bellatrix is a small fishing vessel resting in just 7 metres of water off the Northumberland coast. The vessel's career was cut short by a fire that ultimately led to its sinking. Due to its shallow depth and position, it has been officially designated a 'Dangerous Wreck', serving as a reminder to surface traffic of the hazards that lie beneath. For divers, this designation hints at a very accessible site. While small at just under 11 metres long, the Bellatrix offers an excellent opportunity for a shallow exploration, perfect for novice divers, training dives, or as a second dive of the day. The wreckage provides a compact habitat for local marine life, and exploring the remains of the fire-damaged vessel makes for an interesting and easy dive.

Marine Protected Area: Outer Belfast Lough

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BELLATRIX

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