Wreck of General Cathcart

Protected Area

Morroch 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 General Cathcart 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 *General Cathcart* is one of those sites we always recommend to divers visiting the Northumberland coast, particularly those who appreciate a bit of history with their dive. She's a steamer that met her end in 1881, and the wreck itself is pretty broken up now, scattered across the seabed at around 15 metres. Don't go expecting a pristine ship shape, but that's precisely what makes her so interesting – it’s less about penetration and more about exploring the debris field. You'll spend your time navigating through twisted metal, boilers, and plates, which have become fantastic homes for the local critters. We often spot conger eels poking their heads out from beneath the larger sections, and the crabs here are notoriously bold. The sheer volume of plumose anemones clinging to every surface is what really strikes you, creating these shimmering white forests that sway gently in the surge. Visibility can be a typical North Sea affair, so we always suggest diving this one on a slack tide for the best chance to really soak it all in. It’s a truly atmospheric dive, especially when the light filters down through the green water.