BEN REIN (EX-STARLING) - Northumberland & Northeast

The Ben Rein, formerly the Starling, sits upright and largely intact on the seabed at 39 meters. We love a wreck that still feels like a ship, and this one delivers. Dropping down, the bow is often the first thing to loom out of the gloom, usually swarming with juvenile coalfish. The hold sections are accessible, and you can swim through if you're comfortable with overhead environments, where dead man’s fingers carpet the bulkheads. Keep an eye out for ling tucked into shadowy corners and edible crabs scuttling amongst the plates. The visibility here can be truly astounding on a good day, but it’s still Northumberland, so be prepared for a bit of chop and a green tinge. This dive is best for experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of a forgotten vessel. It's a proper British wreck, full of character and surprisingly vibrant marine life.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.027110, -3.897556
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
39m

Wreck History - BEN REIN (EX-STARLING)

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
tugboat
Cause
gunfire
Tonnage
197 GRT

The steam tug Ben Rein began her life in 1905 as the 'Starling', built by G. Brown & Co in Greenock. Owned initially by Steel and Bennie & Co Ltd of Glasgow, she was a powerful workhorse in the busy ports and waterways of the era. In 1917, a year before her loss, she was sold to the Ramsay Steamship Co and renamed Ben Rein, continuing her vital work during the First World War.

In a remarkable and tragic coincidence, this vessel was sunk on the exact same day, February 7th, 1918, as the ketch Ben Rein. She too fell victim to the German submarine UB-57 while operating in the Irish Sea. The U-boat, having already sunk the ketch, encountered the steam tug and dispatched it with gunfire, sending another vessel to the bottom in a single day's deadly patrol.

Lying at 39 metres, the wreck of the tug Ben Rein is a fantastic dive for advanced recreational divers and those venturing into technical diving. The wreck is more substantial than its wooden namesake, with key features like the boiler, engine, and winch gear often visible. The hull has collapsed in places after more than a century underwater, but its shape is still discernible. It's a classic WWI wreck, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past and is often home to conger eels, lobsters, and large schools of fish that shelter within its metal plates.

Marine Protected Area: West of Copeland

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BEN REIN (EX-STARLING)

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 the 'BEN REIN (EX-STARLING)' dive site?
The BEN REIN (EX-STARLING) dive site is located at a depth of 39 meters. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience. Divers should be comfortable with depths in this range.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at 'BEN REIN (EX-STARLING)'?
Divers at the BEN REIN (EX-STARLING) site will explore a historic wreck, a carrier vessel that sank on February 7, 1918. This 33.5m x 6.7m wreck, classified as dangerous, provides a fascinating artificial reef structure. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks typically attract various species seeking shelter and food.
What is the difficulty level of diving at 'BEN REIN (EX-STARLING)', and is it suitable for beginners or advanced divers?
Diving at the BEN REIN (EX-STARLING) site is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 39 meters and classification as a dangerous wreck, it is best suited for experienced divers rather than beginners. Divers should possess the necessary certifications and experience for deep and wreck diving.
What is the best time of year or season to dive 'BEN REIN (EX-STARLING)' for optimal visibility and conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal visibility and conditions at the BEN REIN (EX-STARLING) dive site. For general guidance on diving conditions in the Northumberland & Northeast region, it's advisable to consult local dive operators.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or highly recommended to dive at 'BEN REIN (EX-STARLING)'?
Given the BEN REIN (EX-STARLING) is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive at 39 meters and classified as a dangerous wreck, advanced certifications are highly recommended. Divers should ideally hold deep diver and wreck diver specialties to safely explore this site. Proper training ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
What are the prevailing currents and general underwater conditions like at the 'BEN REIN (EX-STARLING)' dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information on the prevailing currents or general underwater conditions at the BEN REIN (EX-STARLING) dive site. Divers planning to visit this Northumberland & Northeast wreck should consult local dive centers for up-to-date conditions before their dive.