BEN-MAY - Northumberland & Northeast

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.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.650080, -4.859467
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Wreck History - BEN-MAY

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.

Marine Protected Area: Mull of Galloway

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BEN-MAY

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