BURNHOPE (PART OF) - Northumberland & Northeast

The Burnhope sits in a relatively shallow 11 meters, making it accessible for most divers who can handle UK conditions. We love how much of the steamship is still recognisable, despite being down since 1916. You can trace the outlines of her hull, feel the texture of metal long colonised by anenomes, and nose around the two substantial boilers that stand proud from the seabed. It’s a proper piece of history, just a short swim from the shore. Our favourite time to dive Burnhope is on a slack tide, ideally after a few days of calm weather; the visibility can really open up then, giving you a chance to appreciate the sheer scale of her. Look out for the resident crabs scuttling amongst the plates and the schools of small fish that dart through the structure – a real sign of how the wreck has become part of the local ecosystem. It's a fantastic site for newer wreck divers or those looking for a relaxed bimble with plenty to see.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.682700, -1.151017
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Wreck History - BURNHOPE (PART OF)

Year Sunk
1916
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
1,189 GRT

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.

Marine Protected Area: Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BURNHOPE (PART OF)

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