LA BASIASE (LA BASTAISE) - Northumberland & Northeast

La Basaise, off the Northumberland coast, isn't one for those seeking colourful corals, but it's a superb snapshot of wartime history and an honestly great dive for a UK wreck. We love this site because it’s so accessible at 13 metres, perfect for divers who want to spend some real time exploring without feeling rushed. It’s a patrol boat, sunk back in 1940, and the wreck itself is quite broken up now, but it still holds its shape enough to be interesting. You’ll find yourself finning over sections of deck plating, twisted metal, and the ghostly outline of what was once a working vessel. We’ve seen everything from cheeky wolf fish peeking out from under plates to the slow, deliberate movement of a giant edible crab scuttling across the seabed next to the hull. Conger eels often hide in the deeper recesses, so keep an eye out for those distinctive heads. Visibility can be a bit variable here, as with many North Sea dives, but on a good day, when the light penetrates, the wreck glows with a muted green hue, almost beckoning you closer. Our favourite time to dive it is on a slack tide, just after high water, when the currents are at their weakest and you can really take your time piecing together its story. It’s a site that rewards a slow, methodical approach, allowing you to appreciate the details and the marine life that has made it home.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.660366, -1.119883

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

13m

Marine Protected Area: Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast