GEORGE - Northumberland & Northeast

The George, a barge that went down in 1877, isn't deep. At 11 metres, it's accessible for most, and frankly, we love it for that. What you lose in depth, you gain in bottom time, making it our pick for a relaxed rummage around a piece of history. This isn’t a grand liner, it’s a working barge, and you can still see its tough, no-nonsense character. The wooden hull has long since broken up, but the frames stick up like bony fingers from the seabed, creating little hidey-holes for crabs and lobsters. Our favourite part is weaving through the skeletal remains, imagining the working life of the vessel. Flatfish often rest in the sand nearby, almost perfectly camouflaged, and if you’re patient, you’ll spot blennies poking their heads out from cracks in the metalwork. Visibility can be typical for the North Sea, so go on a calm day with an incoming tide for the best chance of a clear view. It's a great spot for photographers who want to practice macro work or capture the moody atmosphere of a historical wreck.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.437756, -3.014960

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

11m

Marine Protected Area: Mersey Narrows