Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Zouave

Protected Area

Mersehead

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 shipwreck possibly the Zouave 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 North Sea wrecks are a different beast, and the Zouave, or whatever she truly is, delivers that classic northern UK dive. Dropping down onto her feels like entering a sepia-toned photograph, with the ship’s structure emerging from the often moody green water. We love the way the ribs and plating have been twisted and draped by time and current. It’s a proper rummage dive, suited for those who appreciate the skeletal beauty of a working ship. You'll spend your bottom time navigating through the broken sections, imagining the ship in her prime. Look closely for the resident critters; we’ve often spotted lobsters tucked into crevices and ling lurking in the deeper shadows. It’s less about bright colours here and more about the drama of the wreck itself, the sheer history of it. Our best dives here have been on a slack tide, with a slight northerly pushing in just enough to clear the suspended particulate. If you can handle a bit of chill and lower visibility, the Zouave is a genuinely rewarding exploration.