BERBICE - Northumberland & Northeast

When we think of UK wreck diving, Berbice often gets overlooked, and that’s a shame, especially for a site that delivers such a tangible link to history. This isn't your deep, dark penetration dive. Berbice lies just off the Northumberland coast, barely covered even at high tide, which makes it perfect for a shallow snorkel or a relaxed dive when the sea's playing nice. We love the way the wooden ribs of this old sailing vessel – sunk way back in 1827 – emerge from the sand, dark and encrusted. You’ll find crabs scuttling amongst the timbers, and often a few inquisitive wrasse poking around. The visibility can be hit or miss, typical of the Northeast, but when it clears, the light filtering through the shallow water really highlights the structure. Our pick for visiting Berbice is always a calm day with a low tide on the push – that gives you maximum light and the least surge. It's a genuinely atmospheric spot, a quiet piece of maritime history you can easily spend an hour exploring, imagining the old wooden ship still sailing the North Sea.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.853683, -5.769783
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - BERBICE

Year Sunk
1827
Vessel Type
sailing ship
Cause
unknown

The Berbice is a wreck shrouded in the mists of time. This early 19th-century sailing vessel was lost on New Year's Day, 1827, for reasons that are now lost to history. Lying in just 2 meters of water off the Northumberland coast, what remains of the Berbice has been scoured by the North Sea for nearly two centuries. For divers and snorkelers, this site offers a chance to connect with a distant maritime past. Exploring the scattered timbers and any surviving metalwork is a true historical treasure hunt, piecing together the faint clues of a vessel that sailed during the reign of King George IV.

Marine Protected Area: Portmuck

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BERBICE

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