SAINT BARCHAN - Northumberland & Northeast

The *Saint Barchan* sits upright in 18 metres of water, a fairly complete steamship wreck from 1917 that went down just before the end of the First World War. We’ve found her to be a solid choice for a Northumberland wreck dive, holding together well despite the decades on the seabed. You can poke around her single boiler and the compound expansion engine, which are usually home to crabs and some decent-sized lobsters tucked into the nooks. It’s a good one for divers looking for a bit of history and a decent structure without extreme depths. Visibility can be typical for the North Sea, so pick your day carefully, and you’ll be rewarded.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.234085, -5.563367
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18m

Marine Protected Area: Killough Bay

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to SAINT BARCHAN

Marine Life in Northumberland & Northeast

Home to 132 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 11 sharks & rays, 10 other, 10 seagrass & algae, 9 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the S.S. Saint Barchan shipwreck dive site?
The maximum depth of the S.S. Saint Barchan shipwreck dive site is 18 meters. This depth makes it suitable for a range of certified divers looking to explore a historical wreck.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the S.S. Saint Barchan?
At the S.S. Saint Barchan, divers can explore the remains of a steam ship vessel, built in 1917 and sunk in 1918. Notable wreck features include its single boiler and compound expansion engine of 47 NHP, providing insight into its historical machinery. The wreck's dimensions of 43.3m x 7.3m offer a significant structure to investigate.
How challenging is the S.S. Saint Barchan shipwreck dive, and are there any specific hazards to be aware of?
The S.S. Saint Barchan shipwreck dive is rated as intermediate in difficulty. It is classified as a "Dangerous wreck," meaning divers should be particularly aware of potential hazards like sharp edges, entanglement risks, or unstable sections. Advanced wreck diving training is highly recommended for exploring such sites safely.
What is the best time of year or specific weather conditions for optimal visibility when diving the S.S. Saint Barchan?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or specific weather conditions for optimal visibility when diving the S.S. Saint Barchan. For up-to-date information on local conditions and visibility, we recommend checking with local dive centers in the Northumberland & Northeast area before planning your dive.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the S.S. Saint Barchan shipwreck?
Given the S.S. Saint Barchan's intermediate difficulty and classification as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should ideally hold an Advanced Open Water certification or higher. We strongly recommend specialized wreck diving training to safely navigate the unique features and potential hazards of such a historical site.
What are the typical current and sea conditions at the S.S. Saint Barchan dive site?
The provided data does not specify the typical current and sea conditions at the S.S. Saint Barchan dive site. To ensure a safe and enjoyable dive, we advise consulting local dive centers in the Northumberland & Northeast region for the most up-to-date information on prevailing conditions.