WILLIAM HUSKISSON - Northumberland & Northeast

We love the William Huskisson for a classic UK wreck dive, though 'dive' might be pushing it. This is more of a snorkel, or even a walkabout at low tide, and that’s precisely its charm. You’ll find the remains of this 30.5m barge tucked into the rocks at Beadnell, often with its ribs poking above the surface like a skeletal hand. We’ve spent hours here, mesmerised by the way the Northumberland light filters through the shallow water, illuminating the barnacle-encrusted metalwork. The wreck itself is heavily broken up, a mosaic of rusted plates and twisted beams. Despite the shallow depth, a surprising amount of life has made a home here. Look for small crabs scuttling in crevices and a variety of blennies darting between the rusty plates. On a calm day, with the sun high, it’s a genuinely peaceful experience, almost like an open-air museum. Our favourite time to visit is early morning on a spring tide, before the crowds arrive. It's a fantastic spot for photographers looking for an atmospheric shot of a wreck reclaiming the shore. It’s also perfect for new divers or even non-divers who want a taste of maritime history without the faff of a full kit.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.461086, -3.082452

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

1m

Marine Protected Area: Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore