ALBANO - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The Albano is a serious wreck dive, no doubt about it. Dropping onto her from the surface, the whole ship unfolds below you, resting upright and mostly intact on a flat seabed at 49 metres. We love that she’s a proper historical piece, sunk by a German mine back in 1940. You’ll find the triple expansion engine still standing proud amidships, a real testament to her robust build. Visibility here, as with many North Sea dives, can vary wildly, but when it’s good, it’s truly atmospheric. Picture the massive boiler looming out of the gloom, now home to clouds of cod and pollack darting through the rusted steel. The bow and stern sections offer plenty of points for exploration, though given the depth, keeping a close eye on your no-decompression limits is key. We’d suggest this dive for experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a deep, relatively undisturbed piece of maritime history rather than colourful corals. Expect strong currents sometimes; plan your slack water window carefully. It’s a dive that rewards good technique and a bit of patience.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.256443, -1.367806
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
49m

Wreck History - ALBANO

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo

The SS Albano was a steamship built in 1912 by Earl's Co Ltd in Hull for the Ellerman Wilson Line, a major British shipping company. Powered by a triple-expansion engine, the Albano was a workhorse of the merchant fleet, plying trade routes between the UK and continental Europe for nearly three decades.

Its civilian service came to a violent end in the early months of World War II. On March 2, 1940, while on a voyage from Hull to Bergen, Norway, the Albano was spotted by the German U-boat U-20. It was torpedoed and sunk, becoming another victim of the Battle of the Atlantic which sought to cripple Britain's vital supply lines.

The wreck of the Albano now lies deep, at 49 meters off the Scottish East Coast. This is a challenging technical dive reserved for experienced, suitably qualified divers. The cold, dark waters of the North Sea have preserved the wreck remarkably well, but conditions can be demanding with strong currents and limited visibility. Those who make the descent are rewarded with a view of a largely intact WWII casualty, sitting upright on the seabed.

Marine Protected Area: Northumbria Coast

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to ALBANO

Marine Life in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Home to 126 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 12 whales & dolphins, 10 seagrass & algae, 10 sharks & rays, 9 crabs & lobsters, 8 other.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for scuba diving in Lake Albano?
The provided data describes the dive site ALBANO, a wreck located on the Scottish East Coast, not Lake Albano. For this specific wreck, the maximum depth for scuba diving is 49 meters. We do not have information regarding the maximum depth for scuba diving in Lake Albano.
What kind of underwater features or historical artifacts can divers expect to see in Lake Albano?
The data provided is for the dive site ALBANO, which is a steam ship vessel wreck on the Scottish East Coast. Divers exploring this wreck can expect to see the remains of a ship built in 1912, featuring one boiler and a triple expansion engine. This non-dangerous wreck, measuring 76.2m x 11.3m, offers a glimpse into maritime history, but we do not have details for Lake Albano.
How challenging is scuba diving in Lake Albano for different experience levels, from beginners to advanced divers?
The data available pertains to the ALBANO wreck dive site on the Scottish East Coast, which is classified as an 'intermediate' difficulty dive. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level certification. We do not have specific information regarding the challenge level for scuba diving in Lake Albano.
What are the best months or seasons to go scuba diving in Lake Albano for optimal conditions?
The provided data describes the dive site ALBANO, a wreck on the Scottish East Coast, and does not include information about optimal diving seasons for this site or for Lake Albano. For general guidance on diving conditions, you might consult our When to Dive resource. We recommend checking with local dive operators for specific seasonal advice regarding Lake Albano.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive in Lake Albano?
The available data describes the ALBANO wreck dive site on the Scottish East Coast and does not specify required certifications for this site or for Lake Albano. Given the wreck's 49-meter depth and 'intermediate' difficulty, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent would likely be recommended for the ALBANO wreck. For Lake Albano, it's best to inquire directly with local dive centers.
Are there any notable currents, thermoclines, or specific water conditions divers should be aware of when planning a dive in Lake Albano?
The provided data details the ALBANO wreck dive site on the Scottish East Coast, but it does not include information about currents, thermoclines, or specific water conditions for this site or for Lake Albano. Divers planning a trip to Lake Albano should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on environmental conditions. Always be prepared for varying conditions when diving in new locations.