GORSETHORN
Protected Area
Liverpool Bay / Bae Lerpwl
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - GORSETHORN offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The Gorsethorn, a steamship that went down in 1940, offers a proper North Sea wreck dive. It sits upright in about 21 metres, which means you get a good amount of bottom time to really explore it. We love how intact the bow section is, often shrouded in a shoal of pout and cod that seem to hang around the mast. There’s something special about pushing through that wall of fish, knowing what’s beneath. We’d suggest hitting this site on a slack tide, otherwise the current can really rip through, making it a bit of a workout. Visibility, being the North Sea, is always a gamble, but on a good day, when it stretches to 5 or 6 metres, you can follow the length of the deck, spot the winches, and even poke your head into the holds. The stern is a bit more broken up, a tangled mess of steel that creates perfect crevices for lobsters and crabs. Keep an eye out for the odd wolf fish lurking in the deeper shadows; they’re a rare but rewarding find here. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the history of a wreck and don't mind a bit of a chill – definitely bring your drysuit.
Typical GORSETHORN Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 21m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to GORSETHORN
Dive shops near GORSETHORN
Aquaventurers
Delph Watersports Centre
Blackpool Area Diving Centre
Blue Planet Aquarium
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Reviews for GORSETHORN
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for GORSETHORN
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