Wreck of Village Belle III

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 Village Belle III 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 good British wreck, and the *Village Belle III* off the Northumberland coast delivers that classic North Sea dive. It’s not about tropical colours here; it’s about history, atmosphere, and the sheer volume of life that has claimed this fallen vessel. Dropping onto the wreck, you immediately feel the cold embrace of the North Sea, but your eyes quickly adjust to the gloom, picking out the skeletal remains of the ship. The wreck itself is fairly broken up, but that’s part of its charm. We find ourselves exploring the scattered debris, imagining the final moments of this trawler, which sank back in 1918 after a collision. The steel plates and twisted girders are encrusted with plumose anemones, their fluffy white tentacles swaying gently in the subtle current. Look closely among the wreckage and you’ll spot crab eyes peering from crevices, lobsters tucked deep inside, and massive cod often patrolling the larger sections. We’ve even seen the occasional inquisitive seal darting past. It's a dive that suits those who appreciate historical sites and aren’t afraid of colder water, offering a real glimpse into the maritime past of the UK and the hardy creatures that thrive in it.