GRIETJE - Northumberland & Northeast
We’ve always had a soft spot for wrecks that tell a story, and the *Grietje* certainly does. This old motor vessel, driven ashore in a Force 9 gale back in '63, isn’t about dramatic depths or exotic corals. Instead, it's a raw, powerful reminder of the sea's might. What we love here is the sheer accessibility; often shallow enough to feel the swell pushing you gently, even at low tide. You’ll find sections of the hull still recognisable, twisted metal beams, and plates that make for great swim-throughs if the surge isn’t too lively. It’s been thoroughly colonised by the local life – crabs scuttling in crevices, fat lobsters tucked away, and often, we’ve seen schools of saithe darting through the skeletal remains. The light filtering through the North Sea chop gives it a moody, atmospheric feel. This site is great for those who appreciate history and the rugged beauty of UK diving. It’s not a challenge for technical divers, but for anyone wanting to explore a proper piece of maritime history, it’s brilliant. We’d suggest a slack tide for the best experience, as the current can pick up.
- Location
- Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
- Coordinates
- 54.123490, -4.527847
- Type
- wreck
- Maximum Depth
- 0m
Marine Protected Area: Little Ness
Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast
- AARLA - 35m (wreck)
- ABBOTSFORD - 7m (wreck)
- ABYDOS - 8m (wreck)
- ACACIA - 11m (wreck)
- ACTION - 0m (wreck)
- ADC 527 - 60m (wreck)
- ADC 527 - 50m (wreck)
- ADC 527 (POSSIBLY) - 37m (wreck)
- ADGILLUS - 36m (wreck)
- AFTON - 22m (wreck)
- AFTON - 0m (wreck)
- AILSA - 1m (wreck)
- ALARM - 27m (wreck)
- ALASTOR - 13m (wreck)
- ALBANIAN - 35m (wreck)
Nearest Dive Centres to GRIETJE
- Above & Below Dive Centre - ["PADI"]
- Academy Divers - ["PADI"]
- Aqua Adventurers Scuba Diving
- Aqualogistics
- Aquaventurers - ["PADI"]
- Barracuda Scuba Ltd
Marine Life in Northumberland & Northeast
Home to 132 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 11 sharks & rays, 10 other, 10 seagrass & algae, 9 crabs & lobsters.
Notable Species
- Protestant (Clupea harengus) - Reef Fish
- whiting (Merlangius merlangus) - Reef Fish
- Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
- Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) - Reef Fish
- Common sea star (Asterias rubens) - Starfish
- Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) - Reef Fish
- dab (Limanda limanda) - Reef Fish
- harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) - Whales & Dolphins
- long rough dab (Hippoglossoides platessoides) - Reef Fish
- sprat (Sprattus sprattus) - Reef Fish
- Edible periwinkle (Littorina littorea) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
- Common lobster (Homarus gammarus) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Acorn barnacle (Semibalanus balanoides)
- Blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) - Clams & Mussels
- bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) - Seagrass & Algae
- Dog whelk (Nucella lapillus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
- Beadlet anemone (Actinia equina) - Hard Corals
- Common brittlestar (Ophiothrix fragilis)
- butterfish (Pholis gunnellus) - Reef Fish
- Common shore crab (Carcinus maenas) - Crabs & Lobsters