Cognac - Northumberland & Northeast

The Cognac is one of those wrecks that just grabs you, sitting upright and surprisingly intact on the seabed. We love a historical wreck, and this iron-hulled steamer, built in 1860, really delivers. Dropping down, you’ll start to pick out the distinct lines of the bow, and then the whole structure just materialises out of the gloom. It’s a proper expedition dive, hitting 54 metres, so good planning and gas management are key. You can trace the deck from bow to stern, spotting the single boiler and the engine, still largely in place. The whole wreck is encrusted with plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying in the gentle current, making the ironwork look fuzzy and alive. Look into the shadows and you’ll often find large ling lurking, and conger eels are pretty much guaranteed in any of the deeper recesses. We’d suggest focusing on the midship section first, around the machinery, as that’s where some of the most interesting features are. It’s a dive for experienced wreck lovers who appreciate the history as much as the marine life.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.520800, -4.537983

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

54m

Marine Protected Area: The Skerries