BURNHOPE (PART OF)

The SS Burnhope was a classic steam collier built in 1907 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, a workhorse of the British merchant fleet. For nearly a decade, she faithfully plied the coastal routes, transporting vital cargoes of coal to power the nation's industries and homes. Her story is typical of the thousands of civilian vessels pressed into service during the First World War, maintaining the crucial supply lines that were the lifeblood of the country.

Her final voyage came on December 14, 1916. While steaming from Blyth to London with a full load of coal, she was spotted by the German submarine UB-38. Without warning, a torpedo struck the Burnhope, and the resulting explosion tore the ship in two. The vessel sank quickly, becoming another casualty of the relentless U-boat campaign that sought to starve Britain into submission.

Today, a section of the SS Burnhope rests in just 11 meters of water off the Northumberland coast, making it a fantastic and highly accessible dive for all levels. The shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times and provides excellent light for underwater photography. The wreckage is broken up but provides a fascinating habitat for a variety of marine life, including crabs, lobsters, and schools of fish that have made the old steamer their home.