wreck

Log This Dive

OCTAVIA

The Octavia is a real character of a wreck, tucked away off the Northumberland coast. We love a historical wreck, and this 33-metre trawler, sunk after a collision in 1937, definitely delivers. She sits upright in 23 metres, largely intact, with her bows facing north. Dropping down, you often hit a noticeable thermocline, and then she just appears out of the green, a dark, ghostly shape. What we really enjoy here is the penetration opportunities – the engine room is fairly open, and you can swim through various sections if you're comfortable with wreck diving. Light filters in, highlighting the thick covering of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the mild surge. It’s always buzzing with life; we’ve seen countless wrasse darting in and out of the plating, and huge conger eels peering from dark corners. Look closely, and you might spot a wolf fish or two tucked away. This isn't a site for beginners, but if you've got your wreck cert, the Octavia offers a genuinely rewarding dive, full of atmosphere and marine encounters. Best dived on a slack tide for the clearest views.