J C SWINDLEHURST - Northumberland & Northeast

We love a wreck with a story, and the J.C. Swindlehust delivers. This old sailing vessel went down in 1895 after a nasty collision, now sitting upright in about 10 metres of water. It’s a shallow dive, perfect for extended bottom times, and honestly, we think it’s a brilliant introduction to wreck diving. The visibility here can be… well, it’s the North Sea, so it varies. We’ve had days where you could see the whole bow and others where it was a more intimate exploration, hand over hand along the hull. Despite the low light sometimes, the wreck is surprisingly vibrant. Deadman’s fingers smother the timbers, and those nooks and crannies are packed with crabs – edible crabs and velvet swimming crabs scuttling everywhere. Look closely among the plating for blennies peeking out. You can follow the length of the hull, spotting where the mast once stood, and imagine the chaos of that night. It’s a proper piece of history, just begging for a careful exploration. A strong torch helps, not just for spotting life, but for really appreciating the texture of the growth. We’d suggest a slack water dive for the easiest conditions, as the current can pick up.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.450726, -3.036904

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

10m

Marine Protected Area: Mersey Narrows