MONTREAL - Northumberland & Northeast

The MONTREAL is a big old girl, isn't she? We’ve always had a soft spot for these hulking steamships, and this one, sitting off the Northumberland coast, is a proper dive. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, often a bit dark and silty, but then the sheer scale of the wreck starts to hit you. She’s over 140 metres long, snapped in two, so you can spend a good hour just exploring the different sections. Our favourite part is the engine room, or what’s left of it. You can push into some of the cargo holds, too, if you’re comfortable with overhead environments and good on air. What really makes the MONTREAL stand out for us, though, is the life she supports. Ling, big old cod, and sometimes conger eels coil up in the darker sections. We’ve seen shoals of coalfish so thick they just turn the water silver around the superstructure. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes a solid 10 metres, sometimes less, but even in murkier conditions, the sheer size of the wreck gives it an atmospheric, almost ghostly feel. It's a dive that rewards repeat visits, always something new to spot as the light changes or the currents shift the sand. This is one for experienced wreck divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a technical challenge.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.893300, -3.578533
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Marine Protected Area: West of Walney

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to MONTREAL

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 are the typical depths for scuba diving sites near Montreal?
The MONTREAL wreck, a prominent dive site in Northumberland & Northeast, offers diving opportunities at a depth of 25m. This specific site is a fascinating steam ship vessel, making it an ideal intermediate dive for those exploring the region.
What kind of marine life or underwater attractions can divers expect to see when diving in Montreal?
When diving the MONTREAL wreck, divers can expect to explore the impressive remains of a steam ship vessel, built in 1900 and sunk in 1918. This significant underwater attraction features four boilers, a triple expansion engine, and a single shaft, offering a unique historical experience. For information on potential marine life in the region, you might consult our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites around Montreal for different certification levels?
The MONTREAL wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. Furthermore, it is designated as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that it is suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience beyond entry-level certifications. Divers should approach this 143m long vessel with caution and proper planning.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Montreal, considering water temperature and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the MONTREAL wreck, including typical water temperatures and visibility, is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the Northumberland & Northeast region, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving in Montreal's local sites?
Given that the MONTREAL wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive and a "Dangerous wreck," divers should possess certifications beyond entry-level. An Advanced Open Water certification or specialized wreck diving training is highly recommended to safely explore this 143m long steam ship. Proper equipment and experience with such conditions are also crucial.
What are the typical water currents and visibility conditions like for scuba diving in the Montreal area?
The provided data does not include specific information on typical water currents or visibility conditions for diving the MONTREAL wreck. Divers planning to visit this site in Northumberland & Northeast should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before their dive.