Wreck of Hazelwood

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 Hazelwood 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 Hazelwood, sitting upright on a sandy bottom, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. Drop down the shot line and you’ll find her surprisingly intact, a proper ship rather than just a pile of twisted metal. Her bow points east, and the stern, though collapsing a bit at the very back, still gives you plenty to peer into. We love finning along the deck, imagining her final moments, then ducking into the cargo holds – they’re fairly open, so penetration is straightforward for competent divers. Look closely, and you’ll spot plumose anemones carpeting the bulkheads, their white tentacles swaying in the gentle surge. Crab species are everywhere, scuttling into crevices as you approach, and we’ve often found substantial ling lurking within the darker corners of the engine room. Our favourite spot is the propeller – it’s a real magnet for schooling coalfish. This is a dive for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a chill; the visibility can be excellent on a good day, but it’s Northumberland, so be ready for anything. It’s a site that rewards multiple visits, revealing new details each time.