Wreck of Windward - Northumberland & Northeast

The Windward wreck off the Northumberland coast is one of our favourite North Sea dives, especially if you’re into a bit of history with your exploring. It's an older wreck, a steam trawler that went down in 1912, so don't expect a fully intact hull. Instead, you get a wonderfully broken-up site, spread across a sandy seabed that’s usually around 20-25 metres deep. What we love here are the nooks and crannies. You’ll find significant portions of the engine and boiler still standing proud, creating fantastic shelter for all sorts of local residents. Ling often lurk in the deeper sections, and we’ve regularly seen large crabs – edible crabs and velvet swimmers – scuttling across the plates. Look closely for butterfish tucked into the smaller crevices. It’s a site that rewards careful inspection, less about grand vistas and more about the details, the way the sea has reclaimed it. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, when the light penetrates, it’s a properly atmospheric dive. Best dived on slack water, naturally, to really take your time poking around.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.769386, -4.085201

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Torrs to Mason's Walk