MARGARITE - Northumberland & Northeast

The Margarite, a sailing vessel that went down in 1918, is a really solid wreck dive for this stretch of coast. She sits upright at 40 metres, pretty much intact, which is always a bonus when you're dealing with older wrecks. We love how the masts are still discernible, stretching up from the seabed. You'll find yourself navigating through the rigging, which is now heavily draped in dead man's fingers and feather stars – it makes for some dramatic photo opportunities as you descend into the gloom. The stern is our favourite part; the rudder and propeller are still there, drawing in an impressive number of lobsters and velvet crabs. Visibility can be a bit hit-and-miss, as is often the case up here, so we'd suggest picking a slack tide with minimal swell for the best chance of a clear run. It's a dive that rewards careful exploration, suited to those with good buoyancy and a bit of experience with deeper wreck penetration, though you can enjoy plenty just hovering above the decks. The sheer amount of life that has colonised the structure, from ling to wrasse, makes it a fascinating visit every time.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.716877, -4.184545

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

40m

Marine Protected Area: Llanbadrig - Dinas Gynfor