REA 7 (POSSIBLY) - Northumberland & Northeast

There's something uniquely satisfying about diving a wreck with a bit of a story, even if that story involves being unceremoniously dumped. REA 7, likely a former Mersey Docks & Harbour Board barge, sits upright at 39 meters, offering a glimpse into the working history of Britain's waterways. We love how the steel plates and reinforcing ribs create a warren of dark nooks and crannies, perfect for torch exploration. You’ll often find large velvet swimming crabs scuttling across the deck and schools of inquisitive pollack darting in and out of the superstructure. The deep setting means conditions need to be right, so aim for slack water and a calm day to minimise current and maximise your bottom time. While it's not a grand ocean liner, REA 7 has developed into a surprisingly vibrant artificial reef. The sheer amount of structure means you can spend a full dive just poking around, imagining the vessel in its working life before its final resting place. This is a site for the experienced diver, comfortable with depth and prepared for the typically green North Sea visibility, which can range from a murky few metres to a surprisingly clear 10-15m on a good day.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.587452, -3.682937

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

39m

Marine Protected Area: Liverpool Bay / Bae Lerpwl