LESTRIS - Northumberland & Northeast

The Lestris, an iron steamship sunk back in 1891, is one of our favourite wreck dives off the Northumberland coast. Lying in a manageable 17 metres, it’s a site that rewards repeat visits, especially when the light cuts through the surface. We love how much of the wreck is still recognisable, despite the years. You can often trace the line of the bow, and the stern section holds some fantastic nooks and crannies. Visibility here can swing from a murky five metres to a surprisingly clear fifteen, so picking your day is key. We always aim for a neap tide, right on slack water, to get the best out of it. Descending, you’ll start to pick out the skeletal ribs of the hull, now completely encrusted with plumose anemones – their white polyps swaying gently in the subtle current. We often find wolf fish tucked away in crevices, their toothy grins a welcome sight, and the holds are usually home to a respectable congregation of cod and pollock. Keep an eye out for velvet swimming crabs too, scuttling amongst the growth. It’s a proper dive into history, and a good reminder of the raw power of the sea.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.418870, -3.014403

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

17m

Marine Protected Area: Mersey Narrows