BEN VEG

Protected Area

Isle of Whithorn Bay

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 VEG 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 36m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Ben Veg, off the Northumberland coast, is one of our absolute favourite UK wrecks. Dropping onto her deck at 36 metres, you’re met with a surprisingly intact steamship, considering she went down in a 1941 convoy collision. We love how the bow points north, just as she was headed when she sank, a poignant detail. The wreck is upright and fairly compact at 29 metres long, making it great for a full circuit rather than just a quick fly-by. What really makes the Ben Veg special is the way the marine life has completely reclaimed her. You’ll find walls of plumose anemones, often in bright oranges and whites, covering almost every surface. Look for the wolf fish lurking in crevices – they’re shy, but we’ve had some fantastic encounters here. The engine room is open to exploration for those with the right training, and it’s a tight but rewarding squeeze. While the depth makes this one for experienced divers, the relatively mild currents on good days mean it’s not overly challenging. It’s a proper dive into maritime history, teeming with life, and a true standout in the North East.

Typical BEN VEG Dive Profile

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

Safety Notes

Deep dive (36m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced 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.

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BEN VEG Wreck History

Year Sunk

1941

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

collision

The story of this wreck, identified as the SS Ben Veg, highlights a different but equally lethal danger of wartime shipping: collision. In May 1941, just a month after another record places her sinking, this vessel was steaming north as part of a convoy. Under the immense pressure of maintaining formation in blackout conditions to avoid enemy submarines, she tragically collided with another ship. The damage was catastrophic, and with no hope of salvage, the crew abandoned ship, watching as she slipped beneath the waves.

Lying at a maximum depth of 36 metres, this site is more accessible to advanced recreational divers than its deeper counterpart record. The wreck, measuring approximately 29 metres in length, is a compact and fascinating site to explore. Divers can navigate the remains, contemplating the tense and dangerous conditions that led to her demise. The seabed here is littered with history, and the Ben Veg serves as a poignant reminder that the enemy was not the only threat in the dark waters of the North Sea during the war.