wreck

Log This Dive

ETHIOPIAN

The Ethiopian, just a short skip from Beadnell, is one of our favourite Northumberland wrecks, especially when the light’s good. She’s not deep, only 8 metres, which means decent bottom time and often better visibility than some of the deeper sites. Built in Connecticut back in 1852, this old sailing vessel met her end in 1904 after a run-in with the SS Kerry, and you can still feel that history as you glide over her remains. We love how much of her structure is still recognisable. You can trace the lines of her hull, often finding sections of her timbers still intact, bristling with dead man’s fingers. Conger eels are a common sight, tucked away in the darker nooks, and the plates of her hull are completely covered in anemones and hydroids. Keep an eye out for wrasse darting between the rusty plates. It’s a site that suits divers who appreciate historical wrecks and aren't afraid of the chillier North Sea temperatures. For us, the Ethiopian offers a tangible link to maritime history, brought to life by the marine growth that has claimed her.