Wreck of William Penn - Northumberland & Northeast

The William Penn wreck, out here in the North Sea, is one of those dives that sticks with you, a proper slab of history on the seabed. She was a steamer, sank back in 1917 after a run-in with a mine, and she’s settled upright, largely intact. We love how her bow rises from the gloom, still so purposeful after all these years. Drop down and you’re immediately into her structure – the boilers are huge, really impressive, and they’re covered in dead man's fingers and anemones. The swim-throughs here are excellent, wide enough not to feel claustrophobic, taking you through what would have been her hold spaces. Look out for the resident pollock darting through the superstructure; they’re bold, often coming right up to your mask. On a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering down, the visibility can be twenty metres, transforming the wreck into this ethereal, almost ghost-like ship. We’d suggest timing your dive for slack water, always, otherwise, the current can be a real push. This isn't a beginner's wreck, but for experienced divers who appreciate history and a bit of a challenge, she’s our favourite in these waters.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.582870, -5.005755

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Mull of Galloway