WERN (POSSIBLY) - Northumberland & Northeast

The Wern, off the Northumberland coast, is one of our absolute favourite local wrecks. It’s a classic brigantine, and while it sank after a collision with the *Leonard Spear* in 1900, it feels much older, like something from a maritime museum. At just 18 metres, it's a comfortable depth for most, though conditions here can be… bracing. We love dropping down onto the bow, seeing the anchor chain still draped, leading into the silty seabed. The wreck itself is intact enough to give you a real sense of its shape, 31 metres long, you can trace the hull easily. Visibility here can be hit or miss; on a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering down, you can make out the deck structure and even the mast step. It’s the resident life that truly elevates it though. Ling and conger eels are often found tucked into the deeper sections, and the entire wreck is a carpet of plumose anemones, waving gently in the surge. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs crawling across the timbers. It’s a quiet, atmospheric dive, perfect for those who appreciate history and the slow reclamation of the sea. Just be mindful of the currents; they can pick up quickly.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.382500, -4.224683

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

18m

Marine Protected Area: Traeth Lligwy