LINDA BLANCHE - Northumberland & Northeast

The Linda Blanche is one of our favourite North Sea wrecks, a proper historical piece sitting upright and largely intact. Dropping down to 38 metres, you’ll find her resting on a silty seabed, her bow pointing north. Built in 1914, she was a relatively new steamship when a German U-boat intercepted her passage from Manchester to Belfast in 1915, sinking her with explosives. Today, that history feels palpable. We love exploring her holds, often finding schools of small coalfish darting through the gloom. The triple expansion engine is a highlight, quite exposed and festooned with dead man’s fingers and hydroids. Keep an eye out for ling tucked into crevices; they’re often curious. Visibility here can be a real lottery, but on a good day, with a decent current pushing through, the wreck stands proud, a dark silhouette against the green water. It's a dive that suits experienced wreck divers comfortable with colder water and deeper profiles. We’d suggest a strong torch to really pick out the details, and remember that surge can be an issue if there's any swell running.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.690556, -3.731083
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Marine Protected Area: Liverpool Bay / Bae Lerpwl

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to LINDA BLANCHE

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 maximum depth of the Linda Blanche shipwreck for divers?
The Linda Blanche shipwreck reaches a maximum depth of 38 meters. This depth classifies it as an intermediate dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to encounter on the Linda Blanche?
Divers exploring the Linda Blanche can expect to encounter the features of a steam ship vessel, including its single boiler, triple expansion engine, and single shaft. This 51.8m x 8.2m wreck, built in 1914, offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. While specific marine life is not detailed in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species.
How challenging is diving the Linda Blanche wreck, and is it suitable for less experienced divers?
Diving the Linda Blanche wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its depth of 38 meters and the nature of wreck diving, it is generally not suitable for less experienced or novice divers. Divers should possess the necessary certifications and experience for intermediate-level wreck dives.
When is the best time of year to dive the Linda Blanche for optimal weather and sea conditions?
Our current data for the Linda Blanche does not specify the best time of year for optimal weather and sea conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the United Kingdom, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications or experience levels are recommended for diving the Linda Blanche shipwreck?
Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 38 meters, diving the Linda Blanche shipwreck is recommended for divers with advanced certifications and experience in deep or wreck diving. Divers should be comfortable with the challenges associated with deeper wreck environments.
What are the typical current strengths and underwater visibility at the Linda Blanche dive site?
Our current data for the Linda Blanche dive site does not provide specific information on typical current strengths or underwater visibility. Divers planning a trip to the Northumberland & Northeast region should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions.