GORSETHORN - Northumberland & Northeast

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.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.534550, -3.371233

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

21m

Marine Protected Area: Liverpool Bay / Bae Lerpwl