BOLIVAR - Northumberland & Northeast

Alright, let's talk about the *Bolivar*. Forget those deep, dramatic wrecks for a minute. This one sits in a mere 8 metres, an absolute gift for those who love long bottom times and really getting to know a site. We've spent hours here, meticulously picking our way over the exposed plates and ribs. You’re not getting a grand, intact ship, but rather the scattered remains of a vessel that came to a bad end back in 1906. We love how the light plays through the shallows, illuminating every crevice where a crab might be scuttling, or a squat lobster clinging on. It’s less about penetration, more about exploration, sifting through the history laid bare on the seabed. Expect to find plenty of plumose anemones, their fluffy white heads swaying gently, alongside feathery hydroids and the occasional inquisitive wrasse. It’s an easy, relaxing dive, perfect for photographers wanting to hone their macro skills, or for new divers looking for a historical wreck that doesn't demand advanced certs. Just pick a calm day; that exposed coastline can get pretty lumpy.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.268300, -5.923800
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - BOLIVAR

Year Sunk
1947
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Often confused with the more famous Dutch liner of the same name sunk during WWII, this wreck is believed to be the Norwegian motor vessel Bolivar, which sank years after the war in 1947. Owned by the Fred Olsen & Co Line, the vessel's final voyage ended off the Northumberland coast, where it has rested in the shallow, turbulent waters ever since.

Lying at a depth of just 8 metres, the Bolivar is heavily broken and scattered, a testament to the power of the North Sea. Its classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' is a warning of the strong currents and often-poor visibility that can challenge divers. For those experienced with the local conditions, it offers an accessible though demanding dive into a piece of post-war maritime history, with wreckage providing a home for a variety of marine life.

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BOLIVAR

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