Wreck of Pilot

Protected Area

Shoulder o' Craig

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 Pilot 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

We love a wreck that tells a story, and the Pilot certainly does. This isn’t a pristine, intact ship, but rather a proper working wreck, broken up and scattered, creating an incredible habitat. Drop down onto the seabed and you'll find the remains of this old steamer, a jumble of twisted metal, boilers, and plates, all blanketed in anemones and dead man's fingers. Our favourite part is navigating the bigger sections, peering into the gloom where huge conger eels often lurk, or spotting the lobsters tucked into every available crevice. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, picking through the debris, rather than a quick swim-through. It’s best on a slack tide, otherwise, the current can really rip through, making the dive less enjoyable. Visibility can be hit or miss, as with much of the North Sea, but when it’s good, the light penetrating the anemone-covered steel is quite something. This site really suits divers who appreciate historical wrecks and enjoy spending time observing the smaller residents. Expect a proper UK wreck dive – a bit of a current, often a bit dark, but always full of life and a real sense of history.