CARGO FLEET NUMBER TWO - Northumberland & Northeast

The Cargo Fleet Number Two sits flat on a sandy seabed, a victim of a mine in 1940. It’s a shallow dive, just 15 metres, which is brilliant for extending bottom time, especially when the light is good. We love diving this wreck on a calm day, because the visibility can really open up and you can take in the entire outline of the barge. What we really enjoy here is the way the wreck has become a home. You’ll find cod sheltering in the deeper sections, and conger eels peeking out from under plates of collapsed steel. The metalwork itself is softened by dead man's fingers and anemones, so the site has this almost gentle feel, despite its history. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers looking for interesting compositions without the pressure of deep deco stops. We’d suggest going at slack water to avoid any surge, which can kick up the sand and obscure the view. Keep an eye out for crabs scuttling over the plates, they're surprisingly bold here.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.647083, -1.144130
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Wreck History - CARGO FLEET NUMBER TWO

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
mined

The story of the Cargo Fleet Number Two is a solemn footnote in the history of the Second World War, a reminder that the conflict reached every corner of Britain's coastline. This unassuming barge met a violent end on October 13, 1940, when it struck a German-laid mine off the Northumberland coast. The explosion was catastrophic, sending the vessel and its cargo to the bottom in an instant.

Lying at a depth of just 15 metres, this wreck is a superb and highly accessible dive for all levels, from newly qualified open water divers to seasoned veterans. The shallow depth allows for plenty of bottom time and excellent light penetration on clear days. The wreck is classified as 'dangerous', which advises caution around sharp metal and potential entanglement hazards, but for the prepared diver, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a piece of local wartime history. Over the years, the wreckage has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting schools of fish and a variety of crustacean life.

Marine Protected Area: Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to CARGO FLEET NUMBER TWO

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