Wreck of Lady Catherine Douglas

Protected Area

Isle of Whithorn 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 Lady Catherine Douglas 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 Lady Catherine Douglas, a steamship that went down way back in 1891, lies broken on the seabed off the Northumberland coast. It’s a proper piece of history down there, not just a pile of twisted metal. When we first dropped in, the chill of the North Sea bit a bit, but that quickly faded as the outline of the wreck came into view through the green water. What we love about this wreck isn’t just its age, but how it’s become part of the reef. You’ll find sections of hull, engine parts, and even some of the boiler still recognisable. Schools of saithe often hang above the structure, darting in and out, and we’ve regularly seen conger eels poking their heads from pipes and crevices. The wreck itself provides so many hidey-holes; it’s a great spot for spotting crabs, lobsters, and even the occasional wolf fish if you’re patient and keep a keen eye on the shadows. Our favourite part is often exploring the more broken-up stern sections, where the light plays through the gaps and the marine life really seems to thrive. This site suits divers comfortable with colder water and who appreciate exploring a genuine piece of maritime heritage rather than just a colourful reef. The currents can be a bit frisky at times, so it’s best dived on a slack tide if you want to properly nose around inside the more sheltered sections.