wreck

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JOHN & ANN

We really like the John & Ann for a quick, relaxed shore dive, especially if you’re keen on history without the depth. It’s a Victorian barge, not some grand ocean liner, but that’s its charm. Sunk in 1875, it's pretty broken up now, scattered across a flat, sandy seabed just 50 yards north of Woodside Stage. The whole site sits around 4m, making it ideal for extended bottom times and a real bonus for newer divers or those trying out new camera gear. You'll find the wooden timbers, some iron fittings, and scattered cargo peeking out from the sand, all encrusted with colourful anenomes and hydroids. Look closely among the debris; we’ve often spotted blennies darting between the planks and small crabs scuttling over the older metalwork. Visibility here can be a bit variable, but on a good day, with a decent tide, the light filters through the shallow water beautifully, illuminating the wreck’s skeletal remains. We’d suggest diving this one on a calm day, close to slack water, to get the best out of it. It’s a gentle introduction to wreck diving, with a strong sense of its past.