BURGEDIN

The BURGEDIN was a classic wooden sailing vessel of its time, built in Rhyl, Wales, in 1877. For three decades, it plied the coastal waters of the United Kingdom, a workhorse of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. In the summer of 1907, under the ownership of Mrs. A.C. Shaw of Galliestown, the BURGEDIN embarked on what would be its final voyage, carrying cargo from Liverpool with the destination of Annan, Scotland. On August 13th, the vessel found itself battling a south-westerly Force 5 wind, a challenging but not unusual condition for experienced sailors.

Tragedy struck in the choppy seas off the Northumberland coast. In the reduced visibility, the small wooden ship collided with the steamship SS LUGA. The impact was catastrophic for the older, wooden-hulled BURGEDIN. It foundered quickly and sank to the seabed, ending its 30-year career. Today, the wreck of the BURGEDIN lies in just 13 meters of water, making it a fantastic and accessible dive for all levels of certified divers.

Given its age and wooden construction, the wreck is now heavily broken up and scattered, with its remains slowly being reclaimed by the marine environment. Divers can explore the debris field, identifying key features like timbers, frames, and any remaining fittings that hint at its past as a proud sailing vessel. The shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times and excellent light penetration on clear days. The wreckage has become a thriving artificial reef, providing shelter for crabs, lobsters, and a variety of local fish species, offering a dive that is both a history lesson and a vibrant marine life encounter.