EMMELINE - Northumberland & Northeast

The Emmeline is a curious little wreck, sitting in just 3m of water, making it a perfect second dive or a tranquil explore when the weather’s a bit lively elsewhere. We love it for its accessibility and the sheer amount of local history it represents. This barge, built in 1864, came to its end in a March gale back in 1897. Imagine the crew trying to tow it toward Tranmere, only for it to slip its lines between two flats and settle on the seabed right here. What you find now is a scattered collection of timbers and metalwork, wonderfully encrusted. The structure itself isn't intact, but that’s part of its charm; it feels more like an archaeological site than a grand wreck. Look closely, and you’ll spot an abundance of crabs – velvet swimmers are our favourite here, scuttling amongst the barnacles. There are usually plenty of blennies peeking out from under timbers, and the odd small fish navigating the wreckage. It’s a gentle dive, suited to anyone really, from novices getting comfortable with wreck exploration to photographers wanting to spend some real time getting close to the smaller inhabitants. We’d suggest going at slack high tide for the best visibility, especially after a few calm days.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.366653, -2.968574

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

3m

Marine Protected Area: New Ferry