BOY ANTHONY II

Protected Area

Isle of Whithorn Bay

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - BOY ANTHONY II offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 118+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 12m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The *Boy Anthony II* holds a special spot for us, a proper introduction to Northumberland wreck diving without the usual deep chill. Sitting at a friendly 12 metres, it’s a brilliant training ground or just a really enjoyable potter for those days you don't fancy pushing the limits. We love how accessible she is, the bow still proud and upright, offering plenty of nooks to poke around in. You can swim right through the wheelhouse, imagining the last moments before she went down in '73, a surprisingly intact skeleton for a wreck of her age. This isn't a site for pelagics, but what you lose in big fish, you gain in atmosphere and critter life. Keep an eye out for velvet swimming crabs scuttling over the metalwork, their bright red eyes glinting in your torch beam. Conger eels sometimes peek out from the darker recesses, and the whole wreck is draped in dead man's fingers, giving it a ghostly, overgrown feel. Our tip? Go at slack tide, especially if there's been a good run of calm weather. The visibility won't ever be tropical, but on a good day, it’s remarkably clear, and the lack of current lets you really take your time and soak it all in. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration, a real slice of maritime history you can dive.

Typical BOY ANTHONY II 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.

Today06:3917:3110h 52m daylightGolden hour 16:42

BOY ANTHONY II Wreck History

Year Sunk

1973

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

grounding

The fishing vessel Boy Anthony II met its end in a two-part ordeal on November 27, 1973. The vessel initially ran hard aground at Cairn Head in Wigtown Bay, sustaining critical damage. A salvage operation was mounted, and the vessel was successfully refloated. However, the victory was short-lived. The damage was too severe, and the Boy Anthony II succumbed to its injuries, sinking while under tow just two miles south of Garliestown.

Lying at a depth of 12 metres, this wreck is an accessible site for many divers, but it comes with a significant caution. It is officially classified as a "Dangerous Wreck," a warning not to be taken lightly. As a relatively modern fishing vessel, the site is likely strewn with abandoned nets, lines, and sharp, deteriorating metalwork that pose serious entanglement and injury risks. Cautious and well-prepared divers can explore the remains of this unlucky vessel, which now serves as a habitat for local marine species.