Wreck of Margaret And Mary

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 Margaret And Mary 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 Margaret And Mary, a trawler sunk back in 1916, is one of our absolute favourite Northumberland wrecks. It’s sitting upright on a sandy bottom, broken but still substantial enough to explore. You’ll fin over the bow, often finding it swarming with smaller schooling fish like pollack, before dropping into the holds. The light can be a bit gloomy, even on a bright day, giving it a properly atmospheric feel. We’ve seen everything from curious wolf fish peering out from under plating to hefty edible crabs scuttling across the deck. Keep an eye out for the resident conger eels, they’re often tucked into the deeper recesses. The site is exposed, so we always check the swell forecast carefully. Even a moderate chop can make the descent and ascent a bit of a rodeo. We find it’s best dived on a neap tide, closer to slack, when the current isn’t trying to pull you into Scotland. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the rugged beauty of North Sea wrecks, rather than vibrant corals. Think moody, marine-life-rich metal, and you’re there.