Wreck of Sir Howard Douglas

Protected Area

Back Bay to Carghidown

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 Sir Howard 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 Sir Howard Douglas, sitting off the Northumberland coast, is one of those wrecks that just pulls you in. We love how completely it’s become part of the seabed, a proper artificial reef bustling with life. You’ll find it quite broken up in places, which actually makes for some really interesting swim-throughs and nooks for crabs and lobsters. Our favourite bit is exploring the bow section, often shrouded in a shoal of pout, where the structure is still quite recognisable. Visibility here can swing, but on a good day, when the sun filters through the green water, it’s genuinely atmospheric. We’d suggest a slack water dive to really take your time poking around, as currents can pick up. This wreck isn't about massive, intact structures; it's about the sheer density of critters making a home in the wreckage. It’s a great dive for anyone who appreciates a historical wreck that’s been thoroughly reclaimed by the sea.