wreck

Log This Dive

OPAL (POSSIBLY)

The Opal, a steamship sunk by a mine in 1916, sits upright at 52 metres, making it a serious technical dive. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, often shrouded in a green gloom that feels distinctly North Sea. The forward mast, still standing, is usually buzzing with juvenile coalfish, their silver scales flashing in torch beams. We love following the mast down, tracing its line to the deck, where the triple expansion engines are surprisingly intact. You can fin around them, imagining the sheer power they once held. This isn't a site for coral, but the wreck itself is a magnet for life; crabs tuck into every crevice, and we’ve spotted huge ling slinking through the holds. Our favourite moment is hovering over the stern, looking down into the propeller, its blades still perfectly formed, a poignant reminder of its final journey. Dive this on a neap tide for the best conditions, and be prepared for limited visibility – it’s a proper expedition, not a casual dip.