VINE (POSSIBLY) - Northumberland & Northeast

The Vine, sometimes called the *Possibly* (we think due to some historical record confusion, it just adds to the mystery), is a proper little time capsule sitting in the Northumberland silty seabed. She’s a wooden sailing vessel, built way back in 1788, carrying roofing slates when she sprang a leak and went down in a force 9 gale. Talk about a bad day at sea. At 14 metres, this site is a gentle introduction to wreck diving, but don’t mistake "gentle" for "boring". What’s left of the Vine's timbers are now thoroughly encrusted, providing plenty of nooks and crannies for life to hide. We've seen crabs scuttling amongst the frames, and sometimes a cheeky wolf-fish peeking out from under a particularly sturdy beam. Look for the scatter of slates she was carrying, still perfectly stacked in places, like a silent testament to her final cargo. This site is brilliant for photographers who love capturing history and marine life intertwined, especially on a bright day when the ambient light penetrates the gloom. It's not a site for penetration, but for exploring the character of a lost ship and the life it now supports.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.360516, -3.742167

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

14m

Marine Protected Area: Great Orme