POLLY WILLIAMS - Northumberland & Northeast

We love a good timber wreck, and the Polly Williams, despite her shallow depth, has a real story to tell. Sunk way back in 1889 after a collision, this wooden sailing vessel is now wonderfully broken up, scattered across the seabed in a jumble of ribs and planks. It's not about penetration here, but rather a slow, deliberate exploration of the debris field. You'll fin through sections that still hint at her original structure, like the curve of a hull plank or a sturdy beam, now completely covered in plumose anemones that pulse gently in the slight current. Look closely and you'll spot blennies peeking from crevices and crabs scuttling amongst the fragments. We’ve even seen small conger eels tucked under larger pieces of wood. It's a surprisingly peaceful dive, often with decent visibility for the region, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of a wreck slowly returning to the sea. It’s a great choice for newer divers looking for something beyond a reef, or photographers wanting to capture the intricate textures of encrusted wood.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.479973, -3.069583

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

8m

Marine Protected Area: Mersey Narrows