BILLY BOY
Protected Area
Fylde
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - BILLY BOY offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The Billy Boy is a little pocket rocket, a small fishing vessel that went down in 1951. We love this wreck for its character, even if it is a bit broken up. It sits upright, mostly intact, at a very manageable 18 metres. You can swim around the wheelhouse, which is still recognisable, and peer into the hold where crabs scuttle away from your torch beam. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in the North Sea, but on a good day, when the sun filters through, the scene is quite something. Dead man's fingers coral coat the metalwork, swaying gently with the surge. We’ve spotted plenty of blennies tucked into crevices and ling lurking under the deeper sections of deck. It’s a brilliant site for newer wreck divers, or for anyone wanting a relaxed second dive. Just remember your drysuit – it’s the North Sea, after all.
Typical BILLY BOY Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
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.
BILLY BOY Wreck History
Year Sunk
1951
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown
The Billy Boy is a classic small fishing vessel wreck lying in the cool, nutrient-rich waters off the Northumberland coast of the UK. Having sunk in 1951, this 9-meter boat has spent decades on the seabed, transforming into a thriving artificial reef. At a comfortable depth of 18 meters, it's an ideal dive for those new to wreck diving or as a second, shallower dive of the day. Over the years, the wooden structure has likely broken down, creating a haven for the area's iconic marine life. Divers can expect to peer into crevices searching for lobsters and crabs, while schools of pollack and bib often patrol the wreckage. It's a charming dive that offers a perfect snapshot of the marine ecosystem in the North Sea.
Nearest Dive Centres to BILLY BOY
Dive shops near BILLY BOY
Blackpool Area Diving Centre
Fins Scuba
Delph Watersports Centre
Aquaventurers
MAD Dive School Ltd
Reviews for BILLY BOY
Conditions
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