wreck

Log This Dive

HMS CLARENCE

The HMS Clarence, what a beast she was. Sunk in 1899, this isn't some dinky fishing boat. We’re talking about a former 120-gun man-o’-war, later converted to a screw vessel, and then stripped to a pontoon before she went down. Today, she lies flattened on the seabed at a shallow 9 metres, spread out like a giant wooden jigsaw puzzle. We love diving Clarence in the summer months when the light penetrates the green Northumberland water, illuminating the dark timbers. You’ll find her bones are well-colonised by life. The exposed ribs and hull sections are furry with anemones and dead man’s fingers, providing shelter for crabs scuttling in the shadows. Look closely in the crevices for blennies and small scorpionfish. Our favourite part is navigating the skeletal remains, imagining the sheer scale of the ship. It feels like exploring a submerged wooden fortress. This site is brilliant for newer wreck divers or those who just want a relaxed rummage with plenty of bottom time. Just remember, despite the shallow depth, Northumberland visibility can be temperamental, so pick a calm day with an incoming tide for the best chance of a clear view.