BYDAND
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - BYDAND offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
BYDAND might be small, just an 18.9-metre fishing vessel, but we think it’s a brilliant rummage, especially for those who appreciate a wreck with a bit of a story and plenty of nooks. She went down after a collision in 1989, and now sits upright at 26 metres. What we love about her is how accessible she is, even for newer wreck divers, with plenty to peer into without needing deep penetration skills. The wheelhouse is a highlight, surprisingly intact for a wreck of this age, and you can often find conger eels tucked away in the darker corners. Around the deck, we’ve spotted huge edible crabs clambering over the winches, and the odd wolf fish sheltering amongst the plating. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in the North Sea, but on a good day, the natural light filtering through the mast structure is something else, almost illuminating the clouds of plumose anemones that coat the upper sections. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits; you always seem to spot something new.
Typical BYDAND Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 26m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
BYDAND Wreck History
Year Sunk
1989
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
collision
The Bydand was a 19-meter fishing vessel whose career came to an abrupt and tragic end on a winter's day in 1989. While working off the Northumberland coast, the Bydand was involved in a fatal collision with the Irish fishing vessel Dietier. The impact was severe, and the Bydand sank quickly beneath the cold North Sea waves. Its classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' serves as a solemn reminder of the perils of the sea and the events of that day.
For experienced divers, the Bydand offers a compelling dive at 26 meters. The wreck's 'dangerous' status often relates to the presence of snagging hazards like tangled nets and lines, demanding careful buoyancy and dive planning. Those who explore this site will find a vessel that has become a vibrant oasis for marine life. The structure is often patrolled by pollack and cod, while colorful anemones and soft corals, like Dead Man's Fingers, encrust the decaying steel, creating a poignant and beautiful underwater memorial.
Nearest Dive Centres to BYDAND
Dive shops near BYDAND
Irish Scuba Academy
Oceandivers Training Ltd
Emerald Diving Ireland Limited
Reviews for BYDAND
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