NIAGARA - Northumberland & Northeast

Niagara, a sailing vessel sunk way back in 1875, is a proper North Sea wreck and one of our favourite dives off the Northumberland coast. We love the sheer historical weight of it, the way the wreck has settled into the seabed over nearly 150 years. There’s no fancy coral, but the metalwork is draped in dead man’s fingers and anemones, especially the plumose variety that just pulse in the current. You’ll find crabs tucked into every crevice and sometimes a curious grey seal will swim by, a real treat. The wreck itself is quite broken up now, scattered across the seafloor, but you can still trace the outline of its hull and find bigger pieces of structure to explore. It’s not a deep dive, but the currents here can be strong, so keep an eye on the tides. We’d suggest a slack water dive for the best experience, giving you time to really snoop around the debris field. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the way the sea reclaims things, rather than pristine visibility. Expect a decent chill in the water, even in summer, so a drysuit is definitely the play.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.282480, -4.683360

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

0m

Marine Protected Area: Holyhead Mountain