MERISIA
Protected Area
Laxey Bay
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - MERISIA offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The Merisia, a trawler sunk by a mine in 1940, sits in a remarkably shallow five metres, making it an excellent choice for extended bottom times and a more relaxed dive. What we love about this wreck is how approachable it is. You can spend a good hour here, slowly tracing its 39-metre length. The stern is often our first port of call, where the propeller shaft leads into the intact engine room. We’ve finned through the hold, finding it still holds a sense of its working life. Visibility can be hit-or-miss, as with much of the Northeast, but on a good day, the light penetrates right to the seabed, illuminating the wreck’s skeletal remains. We’ve seen small shoals of pollack darting through the superstructure and lobsters tucked into every available crevice. It’s not about huge pelagics here, but rather the quiet colonisation of a man-made structure by the local critters. A perfect site for newer wreck divers or those looking for a long, unhurried exploration, especially when the conditions are calm. It’s also a good site for photographers to really take their time composing shots.
Typical MERISIA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
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