MARLAY - Northumberland & Northeast

The Marlay is a proper North Sea wreck, not one of those picked-clean hulks. Sunk in 1902, she’s a steamship lying upright at 24m, and even after all these years, you can still feel that history. We love that she’s surprisingly intact for her age, with a huge boiler looming large in the centre – that’s our favourite part to poke around. Visibility can be a proper North Sea lottery, but when it’s good, the structure is impressive. The bow and stern sections are generally still recognisable, though time and tide are doing their work. What truly makes the Marlay a standout, though, is how much life she supports. Ling and cod are often tucked into every nook, sometimes so bold they barely move as you fin past. There are always crabs scuttling across plates and anemones covering the harder surfaces. It’s a proper expedition dive, best suited for experienced cold-water wreckies who appreciate a bit of history and don't mind a current. Plan your dive for slack water, or be prepared for a workout.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.388000, -5.977000

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

24m

Marine Protected Area: Croker Carbonate Slabs