JAMES BRADSHAW - Northumberland & Northeast

The *James Bradshaw* isn't about deep exploration; it’s about history you can touch, barely below the surface. We always suggest hitting this one on a calm day, ideally around slack tide, to really appreciate the skeletal remains of the old barge. Sunk way back in 1889 after a bump with another vessel, you can still trace the outline of its hull, scattered plates, and some of the timber structure. For us, the real charm here is how accessible it is, sitting in just seven metres of water. Sunlight filters down, illuminating the rusty ironwork and the surprising amount of life that now calls it home. You'll find blennies darting amongst the crevices, shore crabs scuttling over the plates, and often, small schools of coalfish circling lazily above the wreckage. It’s an ideal spot for newer divers looking for their first proper wreck experience, or for experienced eyes wanting a relaxed bimble with a genuine sense of the past. Keep an eye out for curious lobsters tucked into the nooks; they’re often there.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.417760, -3.017736

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

7m

Marine Protected Area: Mersey Narrows