USEFUL - Northumberland & Northeast

The *Useful* is a cracking little wreck, one we always enjoy visiting. This schooner, built way back in 1879, met its end in 1947, driven ashore during a gale. Now it rests at 28m, fairly upright and remarkably intact for its age. We love nosing around the bow, where the anchor chain is often still visible, draped with dead man's fingers. Dropping onto her, you can often feel the cool embrace of the North Sea, but the rewards are there. The wooden hull has long since rotted away in places, leaving the ribs exposed like an ancient skeleton, and these nooks and crannies are busy with life. Look for butterfish darting between the frames and plump velvet swimming crabs scuttling across the remaining decking. We've even spotted a ling or two lurking in the deeper sections of the holds. Visibility can be hit or miss, as it often is in this region, but on a good day, the low light filtering through the green water gives the whole site a wonderfully atmospheric feel. It’s a proper historical dive, best suited for those comfortable at depth who appreciate the story behind the metal. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water; the currents here can pick up, making exploration a lot less pleasant.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.100990, -4.549510

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

28m

Marine Protected Area: Langness