wreck

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LEEDS (PROBABLY)

The LEEDS (PROBABLY) wreck out of Northumberland isn't about tropical colours, it’s about history and atmosphere. Dropping onto it, you can almost hear the paddles churning, even though it's now just a shadow of its former self at 19 metres. What we love about this site is the way the wreck emerges from the gloom, its wooden bones softened by time and encrusting growth. You’ll find its machinery a jumble of twisted metal, a stark reminder of the forces that sank it back in 1852. Our favourite moment is exploring the paddle wheel housings – they’re surprisingly intact and great for spotting conger eels tucked away in the shadows. Look closely in the crevices and you'll often find squat lobsters waving their claws, and wrasse darting between the timbers. The visibility can be a bit hit-or-miss here, as with many North Sea wrecks, but when it clears, the scale of the 43-metre hull really hits you. It suits divers who appreciate historical wrecks and don't mind a bit of current; it’s a dive where you feel the weight of time.