GIRL MAY - Northumberland & Northeast

The Girl May, now that’s a wreck with some character, and one we always enjoy getting back to. She’s a wooden steamship, sitting upright in about 31 metres, and even after all these years, you can still feel the history of her. When you drop down, the visibility in Northumberland can be a bit of a lottery, but even on an average day, the ghostly outline of her bow emerging from the gloom is quite something. We love finning around the stern, where the old propeller often stands proud, surrounded by schooling bib and pollack that dart into the shadows as you approach. The Girl May is thoroughly encrusted with plumose anemones, their frilly white tentacles swaying gently in the subtle currents, making the whole wreck feel alive. If you bring a torch, you can peer into the holds, where we’ve often spotted conger eels tucked away, their heads poking out from the gaps in the timber. It’s a site that really rewards slow exploration, taking your time to appreciate the structure and the way the marine life has completely reclaimed it. Ideal for divers who appreciate a bit of maritime history and don't mind a slightly chillier dive.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.282250, -3.908000

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

31m

Marine Protected Area: West of Copeland