ERNEST - Northumberland & Northeast

The **Ernest** is a proper deep dive, sitting at 43 metres, so it’s one for the experienced folks with appropriate training. This isn’t a shallow reef bimble, it’s a journey into history off the Northumberland coast. We love the chilling narrative behind her demise: sunk by bombs from a German U-boat in 1917, a stark reminder of wartime maritime perils. Dropping down onto her, you often find the visibility surprisingly decent, especially on a calm day, and the cold water preservation means she’s still quite intact for her age. What we really enjoy about the Ernest is the sense of uncovering a time capsule. Her wooden hull structure is still discernible, and you can imagine her as a working sailing vessel before that fateful day. Crabs scuttle in the broken sections, their claws waving like tiny flags, and big, curious cod often cruise around, seemingly unfazed by divers’ lights. It’s a quiet, reflective dive, perfect for those who appreciate wrecks with a story and don’t mind the chill of the North Sea. We’d suggest aiming for a slack tide, if possible, to really maximise your bottom time and soak it all in.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.450165, -5.368000

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

43m

Marine Protected Area: Outer Ards