BENAIAH - Northumberland & Northeast

The Benaiah is one of those wrecks that just hits right, especially when the conditions line up. Dropping down onto her, you’re immediately struck by how intact she is for a wreck that’s been down since ’92. We love that you can still make out so much of her fishing vessel character – the gantry, the wheelhouse, even some of the fishing gear are still discernible. It really helps you imagine her working life before she went down under tow. At 22.9m long, she’s a good size for a proper poke around without feeling overwhelmed. Penetration is possible if you know what you’re doing and you’re properly trained, but even just exploring the exterior offers plenty. We've seen some decent-sized ling tucked into crevices, and the deck plates are often covered in anemones and dead man’s fingers, which create a colourful tapestry against the steel. Our favourite tip here is to try and dive it on a rising tide, about an hour or two after slack water, when the current is just starting to pick up. That's when we've found the best visibility and the most active fish life swirling around the wreck. If you're into history and want to see how a working boat transforms into a vibrant artificial reef, the Benaiah is an absolute standout.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.467000, -5.887000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Wreck History - BENAIAH

Year Sunk
1992
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The Benaiah is a relatively modern casualty of the sea, offering a glimpse into a more recent chapter of maritime history off the UK's northeast coast. This 23-metre fishing vessel foundered and sank in December 1992 while being towed by another fishing vessel, the FV Girona. The exact reasons for her sinking under tow remain unclear, but she now rests upright on the seabed at a depth of 40 metres. This depth places the Benaiah firmly in the territory of deep-certified or technical divers, promising a rewarding dive for those with the necessary training and experience. As a modern wreck, she is likely to be far more intact than her WWII-era counterparts, with divers able to identify features like her wheelhouse, winches, and deck gear, all now draped in a colourful cloak of anemones and home to shoaling fish and lurking conger eels.

Marine Protected Area: Croker Carbonate Slabs

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BENAIAH

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