Wreck of General Cathcart - Northumberland & Northeast

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.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.840680, -5.121747

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Morroch Bay