WILLIAM CASTLE

Protected Area

Salt Pans Bay

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - WILLIAM CASTLE offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 118+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The *William Castle* is one of our absolute favourite Northumberland wrecks, hands down. We just love how much of it is still there to poke around. Dropping onto her bow, the first thing you notice is the sheer size of her, especially if the visibility is playing ball that day. You can trace the deck back to the wheelhouse, which is still largely intact, a real treat for any wreck diver. The engine room offers some great penetration for those with the right training and gear, with all sorts of machinery still recognisable – a proper time capsule. What makes the *William Castle* really special, though, is the life that’s claimed her. Even without a species list, we’ve always found it buzzing. Ling often lurk in the deeper sections, and her hull is absolutely plastered with anemones and dead man’s fingers. On a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering down, the colours are surprisingly vibrant for a North Sea wreck. We always suggest trying to hit this one on a slack tide, otherwise, the currents can make exploring a bit of a workout. It’s a cracker for experienced wreckies, offering plenty to see across multiple dives.