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Wreck of John And William

Diving the *John And William* off the Northumberland coast is a proper North Sea experience, and one we always enjoy. This isn't a colourful reef dive, obviously; it's a dive into history, a genuinely atmospheric wreck that feels like a tomb. The ship, a substantial steam trawler, went down in 1918, and it’s broken up now, but in a way that creates some fantastic swim-throughs and sheltered sections. We love following the ribs of the hull, spotting the occasional porthole, and imagining the scale of the vessel as it was. What really makes it special for us is the life that has taken hold. Huge plumose anemones smother the metalwork, swaying gently with the surge. You’ll find squat lobsters tucked into every crevice, and often, we’ve come across a grumpy wolf-fish peering out from beneath a plate. The conditions can be challenging, a proper British dive with limited visibility sometimes, but when it’s good, it’s remarkably clear. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water to truly appreciate the detail. It’s definitely one for experienced wreck divers who appreciate maritime history and the resilient marine life that thrives in colder waters.