ULRICA - Northumberland & Northeast

The Ulrica is a sleeper hit for us, truly. Forget the deep, dark wrecks for a minute. This one sits in a mere 10 metres of water, just off Beadnell, making it perfect for newer divers or anyone looking for a relaxed second dive. What we love about her is how accessible the history feels. She’s a sailing vessel, sunk way back in 1897, and you can still make out the distinct bow and stern sections, even some of the ribs from her wooden hull. The real magic here, though, is the marine life that’s made her home. We've spent ages just watching the lobsters peek out from under plates of encrusting anemones. There are always schools of juvenile pollack swirling around the remains, and if you look closely, you’ll spot nudibranchs grazing on the algae. It’s a shallow wreck, so the light penetration is fantastic, giving the whole site a brighter, almost ethereal feel, especially on a sunny day. We’d suggest hitting it around slack water to really appreciate the details without fighting any surge. Bring a torch, not for penetration, but to really make the colours pop on those anemones and sponges.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.696857, -5.530275

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

10m

Marine Protected Area: Outer Belfast Lough