BERWYN - Northumberland & Northeast

The Berwyn, a tanker that went down in 1973, is a solid choice for a shallow wreck dive in Northumberland. At only 6 metres, it’s a site we particularly enjoy for longer bottom times and less demanding conditions, especially when the North Sea decides to play nice. What makes the Berwyn stand out for us is how accessible the wreck is. You can cover a good portion of its 59-metre length, even without venturing inside. The stern is often our favourite section to explore. Here, the framework of the engine room is clearly visible, a skeletal structure now draped in various kelp and colourful anemones. We’ve often spotted lobsters tucked into crevices and, on a clear day, the light filtering through the superstructure creates some striking visual effects. The Berwyn is a great option for divers looking to build their wreck experience without deep decompression obligations. It’s also brilliant for photography, especially with wide-angle lenses, capturing those light rays and the sheer scale of the wreck against the often-murky green. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water on a neap tide for the best visibility and least current.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.536907, -3.237991
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - BERWYN

Year Sunk
1973
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
unknown

Built in Sweden in 1949, the vessel known as the Berwyn had a long and varied career, sailing under several different names including Margit Reuter, Sylvia, Jill, and Mabelstan. By the early 1970s, she was operating as a tanker for Effluent Services Ltd. Her 24 years of service came to an end on February 15, 1973, when she sank off the Northumberland coast in the North Sea. The exact circumstances of her sinking are not widely recorded, leaving her final moments a mystery.

Lying in just 6 meters of water, the Berwyn is one of the most accessible wrecks in the region, perfect for novice divers, training exercises, or a relaxed second dive. Decades of exposure to the powerful North Sea swells have left the wreck heavily broken and flattened. Despite this, the scattered plates and remaining machinery provide an excellent habitat for the local marine life. Divers can expect to find crabs, lobsters, and various fish species seeking shelter amongst the wreckage, making it a rewarding shallow dive on a piece of local maritime history.

Marine Protected Area: Ravenmeols Hills

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BERWYN

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