Wreck of Gordon

Protected Area

Solway Firth

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 Gordon 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 Gordon wreck, lying just off the Northumberland coast, is one of those sites that always surprises us. It’s a great example of how much character a dive can have, even in colder waters. The wreck itself, a steam trawler that went down in the 1920s, is largely intact, sitting upright on the seabed. You can often make out the bow and stern sections, and the boilers are a real highlight, standing proud and offering plenty of nooks for marine life. We love exploring the deeper parts of the hull, where light barely penetrates and conger eels are often spotted, their heads peeking out from dark crevices. Around the superstructure, you’ll find some seriously impressive plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying with the gentle surge. Visibility here can be hit or miss, typical for the North Sea, but on a good day, when the sun breaks through, the wreck takes on an almost ethereal glow. Our best dives here have been on a slack tide, which makes exploring the various compartments much easier, and allows you to really take your time examining the details. It’s a fantastic dive for anyone who appreciates a bit of maritime history paired with robust temperate marine life.