BURGEDIN - Northumberland & Northeast

The Burgedin, a wooden sailing vessel from 1877, rests at a shallow 13 metres off the Northumberland coast. We love a historical wreck, and this one, though fragmented, certainly delivers on character. She went down in 1907 after a collision with the SS Lugano, a rather dramatic end for a ship built in Rhyl. What you'll find today is a scattering of timbers and hull sections, well broken up but still very much a wreck. This isn't a penetration dive, but a chance to really get amongst the debris and search for the tell-tale signs of her past. Our favourite part is spotting the copper sheathing, sometimes still attached to the planks, glinting under your torch. It’s a great site for divers who appreciate the history as much as the marine life. Conger eels are often tucked into the larger sections, and the cracks and crevices are packed with crabs and lobsters. Visibility here can be variable, so aim for slack water on a neap tide for the best chance to really soak in the atmosphere. The shallow depth also makes for a good long bottom time, perfect for a meticulous exploration.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.528717, -3.158043
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
13m

Wreck History - BURGEDIN

Year Sunk
1907
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
collision

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.

Marine Protected Area: Ravenmeols Hills

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BURGEDIN

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