wreck

Log This Dive

CARL AUGUST

Okay, let's talk about the Carl August. We've spent a few hours on this one, and it’s a site that really comes alive when you hit it right. This isn’t a deep dive, barely tickling the surface at 10 metres, but don’t let that fool you. What we love about the Carl August is the sheer sense of history. She’s a wooden sailing vessel, built in 1874, that came to grief in 1891. You’re not just seeing a wreck; you’re seeing the skeleton of a ship that sailed the world. When the visibility plays ball, which is often surprisingly good here, you can trace her lines quite clearly. The wooden timbers are well broken now, but you can still make out sections of her hull, ribs, and deck structures. We’ve found some great penetration opportunities into the old cargo holds, if you’re appropriately trained and confident in overhead environments. Look for the way light filters through the gaps in the planking – it creates some really moody scenes. The wreck has become a home for a surprising amount of life: plenty of plump cod tucking themselves into the nooks, blennies darting between the timbers, and we’ve even seen the occasional inquisitive seal pop by. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration and an appreciation for maritime history.