BEN-MAY

Protected Area

Mull of Galloway

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - BEN-MAY 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 20m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Diving the Ben-May feels like stepping into a time capsule, a snapshot of maritime history frozen at 20 metres. We love this wreck for its character, an old steamship that went down back in ‘38. You’ll find her largely intact, resting upright, which makes for some fantastic penetration if you’re properly trained and equipped. We’ve spent hours exploring her holds and engine room, feeling the cool, dark water swirling around us. The Ben-May isn’t just a steel hulk; it's an artificial reef absolutely humming with activity. You’ll spot the usual suspects – huge edible crabs scuttling over the plates, lobsters peeking from crevices. Conger eels, some truly enormous, often lurk in the deeper sections, so keep an eye out. The visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in the North Sea. We’ve had days of glorious 15-metre vis, and others where it’s a murky green five. Our advice? Pick a slack tide for the best conditions and go with a local operator who knows the site intimately. It’s a genuinely rewarding dive, especially for those who appreciate a wreck with a story.

Typical BEN-MAY Dive Profile

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

Safety Notes

Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water 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.

Today06:4117:3310h 52m daylightGolden hour 16:44

BEN-MAY Wreck History

Year Sunk

1938

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

unknown

The SS Ben-May is an intriguing pre-war wreck that offers an accessible yet challenging dive for those exploring the Northumberland coast. Sinking in November 1938, just a year before the outbreak of World War II, her loss is not tied to the conflict that claimed so many other vessels in these waters. The circumstances of her sinking are not well-documented, leaving a mystery for divers to ponder as they descend. At a shallow 20 metres, the site is within reach of most certified divers, but its classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' warrants caution. This designation suggests the wreck is heavily broken up, potentially unstable, or poses significant entanglement hazards from collapsed structures and old fishing nets. Divers should be prepared for a site that demands respect and careful dive planning, offering a rewarding exploration of a largely forgotten piece of local maritime history.