wreck

Log This Dive

ELEANOR

The Eleanor is one of those Northumberland wrecks that just keeps on giving. For a vessel that went down in 1881, she’s remarkably intact, especially for a paddle steamer. We love the way she sits upright on the seabed, her massive paddlewheels still prominent, a real nod to a bygone era of maritime engineering. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer scale. At 77 metres long, there’s plenty to explore. The bow section is our favourite; you can often peer into the holds, sometimes spotting a curious wolf fish or a shy conger eel tucked amongst the twisted metal. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is off the North East coast, but on a good day, when the sun filters through, the wreck takes on a ghostly, ethereal glow. Look out for the nudibranchs that pepper the deck plating – they’re surprisingly colourful against the muted tones of the steel. We'd suggest timing your dive for slack water; the currents here can be robust, making it a challenging site otherwise. The Eleanor is perfect for divers who appreciate a wreck with real history and the chance to spot some chunky marine residents.