wreck

Log This Dive

EMPRESS EUGENIE

The Empress Eugenie, a sailing vessel that went down in 1879, offers a decent delve into history for divers exploring Northumberland’s waters. Lying at a maximum depth of 16 metres on the edge of Pluckington Bank, what’s left of her is now quite spread out across the seabed. You won't find a fully intact ship here, but rather a series of substantial wreckage pieces, like twisted metal plates and timber sections. These scattered remains have become a home for local marine life – expect to see plenty of crabs scuttling amongst the debris, small fish darting in and out, and some colourful anemones clinging to the wreck. It’s a site that rewards a slow, methodical search, appealing to those who enjoy piecing together a story from the fragments they find rather than a grand, towering structure. Visibility can vary here, so picking a calm day is key to making the most of the exploration.