BOY JOHN R

Protected Area

Corsewall Point to Milleur Point

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 JOHN R 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 2m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Boy John R isn't one for the depth junkies, topping out at a mere two metres. But don't let the shallows fool you. We love this site for its accessibility and the sheer amount of life that has taken hold since she went down in '75. You're essentially looking at a twelve-metre fishing vessel wedged firmly into the rocky seabed, with the bow often poking out above the surface at low tide. The wreck itself is pretty broken up, but you can still make out the general shape, and we often find ourselves poking around the ribs and plating. It’s a fantastic spot for a relaxed dive, especially if you're dialling in some new camera settings or just want to spend an hour observing. Conger eels love the nooks and crannies, and we regularly spot velvet swimming crabs scuttling across the metalwork. The light penetration is incredible, painting the kelp and anenomes in vivid greens and purples, and the schools of juvenile fish here can be surprisingly dense. It’s an ideal site for snorkelers and newer divers, or anyone looking for a genuinely easy dive with plenty to observe.

Typical BOY JOHN R 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.

Today06:4217:3410h 51m daylightGolden hour 16:44

BOY JOHN R Wreck History

Year Sunk

1975

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

grounding

The final hours of the Boy John R were a desperate struggle against the sea. Built in 1948, the 12-meter fishing vessel ran aground on rocks off the Northumberland coast on September 6th, 1975. The drama didn't end there; as the tide rose, the battered vessel refloated, only to succumb to its damage and sink nearby. A rescue was launched, and thankfully all four crew members were saved from the ordeal.

Lying in just 2 meters of water, the Boy John R is now classified as a dangerous wreck due to its shallow depth and proximity to the coast. It is not a typical scuba dive, but rather an objective for snorkelers or very shallow-water explorers on a calm day. The site is a testament to the power of the coastal environment, with the wreckage heavily broken and scattered by years of wave action, offering a glimpse into a dramatic rescue story from decades past.