GAMECOCK - Northumberland & Northeast

The Gamecock, an old fishing vessel resting in just 6 metres of water, is one of those sites we always recommend for a quick, relaxed dive. It’s not about grand scale or dramatic drop-offs here; it’s about the intimacy of a small wreck and the life it now shelters. You’ll find her mostly intact, lying on her side, her wooden hull slowly becoming one with the seabed. We love poking around the bow, spotting the remains of her mast, and imagining her working days. Visibility can be a bit variable, as it often is in the Northeast, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight, the greens and browns of the kelp swaying around her are quite beautiful. Crab species – velvet swimmers, edible crabs, and even a few lobsters – seem to have taken up permanent residence in every nook and cranny. Keep an eye out for blennies darting between the timbers and tiny schools of juvenile coalfish flickering above the deck. It’s an easy dive, perfect for photographers wanting to practice wreck shots without the pressure of depth or strong currents, or for newer divers gaining confidence. Our favourite time to dive her is on a slack tide, just after high water, when everything settles down.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.028793, -3.253004

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

6m

Marine Protected Area: South Walney and Piel Channel Flats