GILBERT THOMPSON
Protected Area
Carmel Head
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - GILBERT THOMPSON offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The Gilbert Thompson, an iron barque sunk in 1901, is a standout shallow wreck, especially on a sunny day. We love its character, lying in just 6 metres of water, spread out but still very much a ship. You’ll find the bow and stern mostly intact, with the midsection collapsed and scattered. Exploring the hull plates, we often spot wrasse darting between the frames and feel the cool surge pushing us gently along the deck. Visibility here can swing from decent to murky, so we always check the forecast for calm seas. Our favourite time to dive it is an hour either side of slack water, when the light penetrates beautifully and you can really appreciate the scale. Keep an eye out for conger eels tucked into the darker recesses; they're residents. The Gilbert Thompson is perfect for newer wreck divers or those wanting a relaxed bimble with plenty to see without deep decompression obligations. It's a proper wreck dive without the intimidation.
Typical GILBERT THOMPSON Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
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