6m
    Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom
    Hilbre Islands

    RED HAND

    Protected Area

    Hilbre Islands

    Why dive here

    With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - RED HAND offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.

    Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 118+ species recorded
    CharacterWreck dive · max 6m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The Red Hand wreck, sitting in just 6 metres of water off the Northumberland coast, is one of our absolute favourite shallow dives up here. We love it because it’s so accessible, a fantastic option when the weather’s a bit choppy and you don’t fancy a deeper, more exposed site. This little carrier vessel, sunk back in 1922, isn't huge at 29 metres long, but she’s surprisingly intact for her age and depth. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is how the light filters through the kelp, giving the whole scene an emerald glow. The wreck itself is covered in a shaggy carpet of dead man’s fingers and hydroids, and we always find a good number of wrasse darting in and out of the plating. Look closely and you’ll spot blennies tucked into every crevice, their little eyes peeking out. The engine block is still pretty discernible, and you can get a good sense of the ship’s structure as you fin gently around it. It’s a comfortable dive, perfect for photographers wanting to play with ambient light or anyone looking for a relaxed exploration of a piece of local history. This is a great choice for divers just getting into wrecks or for a calm second dive.

    Typical RED HAND Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m6m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Today06:3217:2810h 56m daylightGolden hour 16:41

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