WESTBURN (POSSIBLY)
Protected Area
West of Copeland
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - WESTBURN (POSSIBLY) offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
The *Westburn* is one of those wrecks that really gets under your skin. We often find ourselves drawn back to her, especially on a day with decent visibility, which for the North East can mean 5-8 metres. Dropping down, you’ll start to pick out the stern at around 32 metres, then slowly the whole trawler appears out of the green, sitting upright and surprisingly intact. It's a proper old fishing boat, built in Fraserburgh in '47, and you can still see the lines of her. The engine room is a highlight here; penetration is possible if you're experienced and careful, but even from the outside, the ghostly machinery is captivating. Around the stern, where that propeller snagged the wire rope back in '75, you'll often find a decent sized shoal of cod lurking in the gloom, and the occasional ling peeking out from a darker corner. The deck gear is still largely in place, creating fantastic nooks and crannies for wrasse and crabs. We love how much of her character remains, making it feel less like a pile of scrap and more like a time capsule. It's a deeper dive, so best for those comfortable with their buoyancy and deco stops.
Typical WESTBURN (POSSIBLY) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (32m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for WESTBURN (POSSIBLY)
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