BEREBY - Northumberland & Northeast

The Bereby. Now here’s a wreck we keep coming back to off the Northumberland coast. It's a huge cargo steamer, all 122 metres of her, sitting upright and largely intact. Dropping down, you’re greeted by the sheer scale of it, and it feels like diving through a ghost ship, especially when the visibility is good enough to make out her entire silhouette. We love exploring the huge engine room, a cathedral of twisted metal, and the prop shaft tunnel is always a favourite swim-through. The Bereby has been down since 1941, plenty of time for life to really take hold. You’ll find walls of plumose anemones, their frilly white tentacles swaying in the gentle surge, and plenty of ling peeking out from darker corners. It’s a proper expedition dive, a real journey of discovery for anyone who appreciates a well-preserved piece of maritime history. Just keep an eye on the tides, as currents can pick up.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.245834, -5.616667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - BEREBY

Year Sunk
1941
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
mine
Tonnage
5,130 GRT

The SS Bereby was a steamship built in 1919, a veteran of the inter-war years. Owned by the well-known Elder Dempster Lines, she was powered by a triple-expansion engine built by Richardsons, Westgarth & Co. By the time of the Second World War, she was an essential part of the merchant fleet, braving the dangerous waters of the Atlantic and North Sea to keep Britain supplied.

On September 24, 1941, her service came to a sudden and violent end. While on passage, the Bereby struck a mine laid by German forces off the coast of Northumberland. The explosion was catastrophic, sinking the vessel and tragically claiming the lives of 25 of her crew. She now rests on the seabed as a designated war grave and a somber memorial to those who perished in the Battle of the Atlantic.

The wreck of the Bereby lies at 0 meters, meaning it is an intertidal wreck, often exposed at low tide. This makes it a unique and accessible site, visible even from the shore under the right conditions. For divers, it's a very shallow exploration of a significant piece of WWII history. The wreckage is heavily broken up due to the explosion and decades of sea action, but the boilers and engine block are often identifiable, providing a focal point for a dive that serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by the Merchant Navy.

Marine Protected Area: Killough Bay

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BEREBY

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 are the typical diving depths at the Grand-Béréby dive sites?
The provided data describes the BEREBY wreck in the United Kingdom, not Grand-Béréby. This specific wreck dive site, BEREBY, has a reported depth of 0m, indicating it is a very shallow or partially exposed wreck. Information regarding typical diving depths for Grand-Béréby dive sites is not available in the provided context.
What kind of marine life and underwater ecosystems can divers expect to see when diving in Grand-Béréby, Côte d'Ivoire?
The provided data focuses on the technical details of the BEREBY wreck in the United Kingdom, a steamship sunk in 1941. It does not contain any information about marine life or underwater ecosystems for this site, nor for Grand-Béréby, Côte d'Ivoire. For general information on marine life, you might explore our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites around Grand-Béréby, and are they suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The provided data specifies that the BEREBY wreck dive site in Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience. However, information regarding the challenge level for dive sites specifically around Grand-Béréby is not available in the provided context.
What is the best time of year to dive in Grand-Béréby for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
The provided data does not include information on the best time of year for diving, optimal conditions, or marine life encounters for Grand-Béréby. Similarly, such details are not available for the BEREBY wreck in the United Kingdom. For general guidance on dive seasons, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Grand-Béréby?
The provided data does not specify any required scuba diving certifications for Grand-Béréby. It also does not list certification requirements for the BEREBY wreck in the United Kingdom. Divers should always check with local dive operators for specific certification requirements for any dive site.
What are the typical currents and underwater conditions like at the Grand-Béréby dive sites?
The provided data describes the BEREBY wreck in the United Kingdom, detailing its history and dimensions. However, it does not contain any information regarding typical currents or general underwater conditions for this site, nor for any dive sites around Grand-Béréby. Divers should always consult local dive centers for up-to-date conditions.