Wreck of Catherine Morrison

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 - Wreck of Catherine Morrison 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 Catherine Morrison is a proper wreck dive, not just a pile of rubble. We’re talking about an intact wooden sailing ship, sunk back in the 19th century, lying in relatively shallow water. You descend onto a hull that’s largely upright, timber planks still holding their shape, barnacled and green with algae. Our favourite part has to be finning through the open holds, watching the light filter down through the water, illuminating the ghostly ribs of the ship. It's a fantastic spot for photographers, especially when the visibility kicks in – which, let's be honest, can be a bit hit or miss in the North Sea, but when it's good, it's really good. Keep an eye out for the resident crabs scuttling over the timbers and the occasional inquisitive wrasse peeking from the shadows. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water; the currents here can get a bit punchy, making it a less relaxing experience if you don't. It’s a dive that tells a story, a real piece of history waiting to be explored.