REA 8 (POSSIBLY) - Northumberland & Northeast

REA 8 (POSSIBLY) is a bit of a mystery, which is precisely why we love it. This isn't some pristine, intact wreck, but a scattered, broken barge – almost certainly dumped by the Mersey Docks & Harbour Board. Dropping onto it at 40m, you get a real sense of history, a relic from a working port, now repurposed by the sea. What you'll find here is a collection of plates and twisted metal, spread across the seabed. It’s a site that demands a slow exploration, sifting through the debris. The beauty comes from the life that has claimed it: we’ve seen colourful nudibranchs clinging to plates, curious blennies peeking from crevices, and the occasional inquisitive wolf fish. It’s a site for those who appreciate the subtle beauty of a broken wreck and the resilience of cold-water marine life. We'd suggest going when visibility is decent, as it makes picking out the details, and finding those shy creatures, much more rewarding. A great dive if you're comfortable at depth and enjoy a treasure hunt.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.584675, -3.673493

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

40m

Marine Protected Area: Liverpool Bay / Bae Lerpwl