KYLE FIRTH - Northumberland & Northeast

The Kyle Firth, for us, is one of those frustratingly brilliant Northumberland dives. She’s a coaster, sank in 1940, and now sits in truly shallow water, sometimes barely breaking the surface at low tide. We’re talking a maximum depth of one metre here, often less, so it’s less a dive and more a snorkel or a crawl, but don't let that put you off. Visibility can be a real challenge – it’s the North Sea, after all, and that much sediment in such shallow water means you’ll often be feeling your way along the hull plating. But when it clears, even just a little, the rewards are immense. We’ve spent hours here, nose-to-bow with some of the biggest lobsters and crabs we’ve ever seen, sheltering in crevices, their antennae waving through the gloom. The wreck itself is quite broken up, but you can still make out the ribs of the hull, and the boiler is a prominent feature, a dark mass against the shifting sand. It’s an intimate encounter, almost archaeological, as you trace the remains of a working ship now completely given over to the sea. Our best advice? Pick a calm day with minimal swell, and go on a slack tide for any chance of seeing more than your own mask.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.282480, -4.683638
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Holyhead Mountain

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to KYLE FIRTH

Marine Life in Northumberland & Northeast

Home to 132 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 11 sharks & rays, 10 other, 10 seagrass & algae, 9 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the Kyle Firth shipwreck?
The Kyle Firth shipwreck is a very shallow dive, with a reported depth of just 1 meter. This makes it accessible for many divers, offering a unique opportunity to explore a historical wreck in very shallow waters.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Kyle Firth dive site?
Divers exploring the Kyle Firth can expect to encounter the remains of a steam ship vessel, built in 1905 and sunk in 1940. Key features include its dimensions of 47.2m x 7.9m, and remnants of its single boiler and compound expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed, historical wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How difficult is the Kyle Firth wreck dive, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Kyle Firth wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience beyond basic open water certification, being comfortable with wreck diving techniques and potentially navigating challenging conditions.
What are the best times of year or optimal conditions for diving the Kyle Firth wreck?
The provided data for the Kyle Firth dive site does not specify the best times of year or optimal conditions for diving. For general information on planning your dives, you might consult our When to Dive resource.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive the Kyle Firth wreck?
While no specific certifications are explicitly listed for the Kyle Firth wreck, its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive suggests that divers should possess a good level of experience. Being comfortable with wreck diving and potentially navigating a "dangerous wreck" classification would be beneficial.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the Kyle Firth dive site in Anglesey?
The provided data for the Kyle Firth dive site does not include specific information regarding typical current or visibility conditions. It's important to note that the Kyle Firth is located in Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, not Anglesey.