BOY BAILEY

Protected Area

Solway Firth

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 BAILEY 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 1m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Forget what you think you know about UK wreck diving. The Boy Bailey, a fishing vessel that went down in 2011, isn't deep. In fact, it's barely submerged at high tide, its superstructure often breaking the surface. This makes it an absolute joy for snorkelers, freedivers, and even just keen photographers with a decent waterproof camera. We love how accessible it is, sitting off the Blyth pier. You can practically walk to it at low water. Despite its shallow nature, the wreck is surprisingly intact and has become a genuine haven for local marine life. You’ll find crabs scuttling amongst the twisted metal, small pollack darting through the wheelhouse, and anemones clinging to every available surface. It’s a fantastic spot to practice your buoyancy or just enjoy a very relaxed dip, soaking in the atmosphere without the pressure of depth or complex navigation. We often go at slack water around high tide, when the visibility tends to be at its best. It’s a proper eye-opener.

Typical BOY BAILEY 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.

Today06:3517:2710h 52m daylightGolden hour 16:37

BOY BAILEY Wreck History

Year Sunk

2011

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

unknown

The Boy Bailey is a very modern wreck, having sunk on October 8, 2011. The fishing vessel's nets reportedly snagged on the seabed, causing the boat to rapidly capsize and sink, though thankfully its crew was rescued. Resting in just 1 metre of water, this wreck is barely submerged and may even be exposed at low tide. This makes it less of a traditional scuba dive and more of an objective for snorkelers or divers on a high-tide exploratory trip. As with many recent fishing vessel wrecks, it is classified as dangerous due to the high risk of entanglement from nets, ropes, and other fishing gear. Extreme caution is advised for anyone approaching this very shallow site.