Wreck of Sir William Maxwell

Protected Area

Corsewall Point to Milleur Point

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 William Maxwell 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’ve always had a soft spot for the Sir William Maxwell. It’s a proper wreck dive, sitting upright and mostly intact on a flat seabed. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, often seeing a few inquisitive seals darting in and out of the superstructure. The stern has started to break up a bit, but the midsection is where it really comes alive; we love nosing into the hold where conger eels have set up shop, their heads poking out from the gloom. Look closely at the decking and you'll spot nudibranchs clinging to the metal, and the occasional anglerfish lurking in the shadows, perfectly camouflaged. It’s a fantastic site for divers who appreciate a good historical wreck and enjoy a bit of penetration without anything too technical. Just watch the surge if there's a northerly blowing; it can make for a lively surface swim.