RED HAND - Northumberland & Northeast

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.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.415810, -3.216045

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

6m

Marine Protected Area: Hilbre Islands