CONARGO - Northumberland & Northeast

The Conargo is a big, serious wreck. Lying off Seaham at 45 metres, it’s a dive for experienced deep divers only. This old German steamer, torpedoed in 1918, is remarkably intact for her age, especially considering how many wartime wrecks are just scattered debris. We love how her huge triple-expansion engines still stand proud, a real testament to early 20th-century engineering. You can really get a sense of her scale down there, picking out details like the prop shaft and the cavernous holds. Visibility can swing wildly, as it often does in the Northeast. We’ve had dives where you could see 15 metres, and others where it was a struggle to find the bow. Best to pick a slack tide and a settled period of weather for the clearest water. Even in gloomier conditions, the sheer size of the Conargo and the amount of resident fish life make it worthwhile. Expect to find pollack and cod sheltering in the darker recesses, and a surprising amount of invertebrate growth on the steel. It's not a dive for beginners, but for those with the training, it’s a fantastic piece of history to explore.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.634518, -4.824067
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

Marine Protected Area: Irish Sea Front

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to CONARGO

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 typical maximum depth for recreational diving at CONARGO, and are there any deeper sections for advanced divers?
The CONARGO dive site has a typical maximum depth of 45 meters. As this is already a significant depth, it caters well to experienced recreational divers. The provided data does not indicate any specific deeper sections beyond this for advanced technical diving.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at the CONARGO dive site?
Divers at the CONARGO dive site can expect to explore the fascinating underwater topography of a large steam ship wreck. This vessel, measuring 114.3m x 14.6m, provides an intricate structure for exploration. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks typically attract a variety of local species.
How difficult is diving at CONARGO, and is it suitable for beginner or experienced divers?
Diving at CONARGO is classified as intermediate difficulty. This makes it a suitable dive for experienced divers who are comfortable with deeper wreck dives. It is generally not recommended for beginner divers due to its depth and the nature of wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive CONARGO for optimal visibility and calm conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and calm conditions at the CONARGO dive site. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the Northumberland & Northeast region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at CONARGO?
Given the 45-meter depth and intermediate difficulty of the CONARGO wreck, certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver or Deep Diver are highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper wreck explorations.
What are the typical current conditions and water temperatures at CONARGO, and how do they affect diving?
The provided data does not include specific information on typical current conditions or water temperatures at the CONARGO dive site. Divers planning a trip to the Northumberland & Northeast area should consult local dive operators for up-to-date environmental details.