Cognac

Protected Area

The Skerries

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - Cognac 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 54m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

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.