TIJL UILENSPIEGEL - Northumberland & Northeast

The Tijl Uilenspiegel, a Belgian fishing vessel, went down in 1989. The story goes it sank after a crew member’s body washed ashore, which adds a certain chilling edge to the dive. Dropping onto her at 42 metres, you’re hitting a serious technical depth, but she’s worth the effort for experienced wreck heads. The fishing boat itself is small, about 30 metres, but it’s still largely intact, sitting upright on the seabed. We love the way she’s starting to really break down, creating new swim-throughs and pockets for life. You’ll often find conger eels peering out of the darker corners, and the hull is covered in those colourful jewel anemones. The bow section is our favourite part to explore, with the collapsed wheelhouse offering a glimpse into her past. Visibility here can be a bit hit or miss, as is standard for the North Sea, but on a good day, it’s a genuinely atmospheric dive. The current can be strong, so plan your slack water window carefully. This isn’t one for casual divers, but if you’ve got the training and the nerve, the Tijl Uilenspiegel offers a raw, honest North Sea wreck experience.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.728220, -4.009139

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

42m

Marine Protected Area: Traeth Lligwy