BLANCHE (POSSIBLY)
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 - BLANCHE (POSSIBLY) offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The Blanche, or what we believe to be her scattered remains, is one of those Northumberland wrecks that really rewards a bit of dedication. Dropping down to 23 metres, you’ll find a low-lying, broken stern section with the single boiler standing proud, a real anchor point in the murk. We particularly love the bow section, a decent swim away, where the plates are starting to collapse but still give a good sense of the ship’s original lines. Visibility can be a real mixed bag here, as it often is off the northeast coast, but when it’s good, the place comes alive. Look for the wolfish tucked into the darker corners, their grumpy faces peering out, and the sheer volume of edible crabs scuttling amongst the twisted metal. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water, it makes exploring the two main sections much more enjoyable. This site is definitely one for the experienced wreck divers who appreciate a good historical puzzle and don’t mind a bit of a current.
Typical BLANCHE (POSSIBLY) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 23m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
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.
BLANCHE (POSSIBLY) Wreck History
Year Sunk
1901
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown
The steamship Blanche was a modern vessel for her time, built just two years before her loss in 1899 by S. McKnight & Co. of Ayr. Owned by W. Roland of Liverpool, she was powered by a single boiler and a compound expansion engine, representing the workhorses of the British merchant fleet at the turn of the 20th century. Her career, however, was destined to be tragically short.
On June 13, 1901, the Blanche sank for reasons that remain undocumented, taking her story to the seabed. The uncertainty surrounding her loss is reflected in the wreck's designation as '(Possibly)' the Blanche, as positive identification can be challenging after more than a century underwater.
Today, the wreck rests at a depth of 23 meters, making it an accessible and intriguing site for qualified divers. Exploring the remains, divers can search for key features like the single boiler and remnants of her 85-horsepower engine, piecing together the puzzle of this short-lived steamship and contemplating the unknown events of her final day.
Nearest Dive Centres to BLANCHE (POSSIBLY)
Dive shops near BLANCHE (POSSIBLY)
Blackpool Area Diving Centre
Fins Scuba
Aquaventurers
Delph Watersports Centre
Reviews for BLANCHE (POSSIBLY)
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Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BLANCHE (POSSIBLY)
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