DIADEM - Northumberland & Northeast

The Diadem is a proper North Sea wreck, not some sun-drenched Caribbean afterthought. She’s a compact fishing vessel, ten metres long, that went down in 1980 west of North Stack. We love her because she’s small enough to get a real feel for on a single dive, especially if you’re comfortable with the depth, which sits around 31 metres. Drop down and you'll find her mostly intact, listing slightly. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes a clear 10 metres, other days more like a pea-souper, but that just adds to the adventure. Even in murkier conditions, you can still make out the superstructure, the wheelhouse area, and what’s left of her fishing gear. Crabs, lobsters, and a surprising number of ling often call the Diadem home. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for nudibranchs, especially on the metalwork. It's a great site for divers who appreciate the character of a working boat, not just the abundance of life, though there's plenty of that too once your eyes adjust. We'd suggest aiming for slack water, always. Otherwise, the current can be a bit of a workout.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.321920, -4.698637

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

31m

Marine Protected Area: Holyhead Mountain