HAPPY RETURN - Northumberland & Northeast

We love a good shallow wreck, and the Happy Return truly delivers, especially for divers in the Northeast. This isn't some deep-water behemoth, but a small barge that went down way back in 1898. Its shallow depth, just 6m, makes it a perfect second dive or a site for less experienced wreck divers to get a feel for penetration without the stress. What you'll find here is a jumble of twisted metal and wooden timbers, all well-colonised by the North Sea. The wreck is pretty broken up, but you can still make out the general shape of a barge, with ribs and plating scattered across the seabed. Look closely and you'll spot plenty of blennies darting into crevices, crabs scuttling over the rust, and anenomes clinging to every available surface. We've even seen the occasional inquisitive seal pup pop by for a look, especially during the summer months when visibility can stretch to a respectable 5-8 metres. Our advice? Go on a slack tide, otherwise, you'll be working hard against the current. It’s a site that rewards a slow, careful exploration rather than a quick swim-through.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.437477, -3.010793

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

6m

Marine Protected Area: Mersey Narrows