CARL AUGUST - Northumberland & Northeast

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.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.346657, -2.951631
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - CARL AUGUST

Year Sunk
1891
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Carl August tells a tale from the great age of sail. This wooden sailing vessel was built in 1874 in Stralsund, Germany, and spent nearly two decades plying the world's oceans. Her final voyage was an ambitious one, carrying cargo from Montevideo in South America all the way to Ellesmere Port in the United Kingdom. On December 21, 1891, after a long transatlantic crossing, her journey came to an abrupt end when she stranded and was lost on the coast of Northumberland.

Lying in just one meter of water, the wreck has been exposed to over a century of relentless coastal weather. As a wooden vessel, its hull structure has long since disintegrated. For divers and beachcombers, the site is an archaeological exploration rather than a wreck dive. The primary remains consist of scattered timbers, ballast stones that once kept the ship stable, and perhaps some corroded iron fittings. It's a dive into history, imagining the power of the storm that brought this sturdy vessel to its final resting place.

Marine Protected Area: New Ferry

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to CARL AUGUST

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Carl D. Bradley shipwreck dive site in Lake Michigan?
We currently do not have specific data regarding the maximum depth of the Carl D. Bradley shipwreck dive site in Lake Michigan within our provided resources. Our information pertains to the CARL AUGUST wreck in the United Kingdom, which has a reported depth of 1 meter. For details on other dive sites, please explore our comprehensive database.
What specific features and marine life can divers expect to see when exploring the Carl D. Bradley wreck?
Information regarding the specific features and marine life divers can expect to see at the Carl D. Bradley wreck is not available in our current dataset. The provided data describes the CARL AUGUST as a wooden sailing vessel, 35.4m x 7.9m, that stranded and broke in 1891. For general information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level of diving the Carl D. Bradley, and what are the major challenges or risks involved?
The difficulty level and specific challenges for diving the Carl D. Bradley are not detailed in the provided information. Our data describes the CARL AUGUST wreck as having an 'intermediate' difficulty level and being classified as a 'Dangerous wreck'. Divers should always consult local dive operators for site-specific risks and requirements.
What is the best time of year to dive the Carl D. Bradley shipwreck for optimal weather and underwater conditions?
We do not have specific seasonal recommendations for diving the Carl D. Bradley shipwreck in Lake Michigan within our current data. Optimal diving conditions can vary greatly by region and specific site. For general guidance on planning your dives, please refer to our when to dive section.
What advanced diving certifications are required to safely undertake a dive to the Carl D. Bradley wreck?
The specific advanced diving certifications required for the Carl D. Bradley wreck are not listed in the provided data. Certification requirements typically depend on the depth, conditions, and complexity of the dive site. Always check with local dive centers or guides for the necessary qualifications before planning your dive.
What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions experienced at the Carl D. Bradley dive site?
Details regarding the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions for the Carl D. Bradley dive site are not available in our current dataset. These conditions can vary significantly based on location and time of year. We recommend checking with local dive operators for up-to-date site conditions.