CAPTAIN MCCLINTOCK (POSSIBLY)

Protected Area

North Anglesey Coast

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - CAPTAIN MCCLINTOCK (POSSIBLY) offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 118+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 35m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Northumberland’s wrecks can be a bit of a lottery, but the *Captain McClintock* (or what we strongly suspect is her) is one of our favourite picks for a deeper plunge. Dropping to 35 metres, she’s a proper steamship, lying scattered but still very much recognisable as a wreck. It’s the sheer scale of the twisted metal, the boilers, and the engine room remains that grab you. You can really get a sense of her working life. We love the atmosphere down there; the North Sea green can be moody, but it just adds to the character. Visibility, when it’s good, lets you appreciate the sheer volume of metal, the way crabs scuttle from every dark crevice. Keep an eye out for wolfish lurking in the gloom, their broad heads peering from beneath collapsed plating. This isn't a site for beginners; it’s a true deep wreck dive, best for those comfortable with overhead environments and limited light, keen to explore history rather than just pretty colours. It’s a proper dive, and it earns its standout tier for the tangible sense of history and the sheer scale of the wreck.

Typical CAPTAIN MCCLINTOCK (POSSIBLY) Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Deep dive (35m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced 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.

Today06:3717:3310h 56m daylightGolden hour 16:45

CAPTAIN MCCLINTOCK (POSSIBLY) Wreck History

Year Sunk

1886

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

storm

The vessel identified as the Captain McClintock was a 47-meter steamship from the Victorian era. In December 1886, it was undertaking a voyage across the Irish Sea, from Garston to Dublin, when it ran into trouble. The ship foundered off the coast of Amlwch, Anglesey in Wales, sinking beneath the waves. The name 'Possibly' attached to its identification suggests some historical uncertainty, adding a layer of mystery for divers exploring its remains.

Lying at 35 meters, this is a dive for more experienced and advanced divers comfortable with depth. The cold, often challenging waters of the Irish Sea have claimed the vessel, and over a century on the seabed has likely left it well broken up. Divers can explore the scattered remains of this 19th-century steamer, including its boilers and engine components, which are now encrusted with anemones and home to conger eels, lobsters, and various fish species. It's a dive back in time, offering a glimpse into the age of steam-powered maritime trade.