ALEXANDER - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The *Alexander*, for us, is one of those sites that just feels right for a gentle poke around. She’s not deep, just two metres max, so you get to really take your time. We love drifting over her, spotting the dark shapes of flatfish tucked against the timbers. The wreck dates back to 1845; you can almost feel the history in the water. You’ll see her timbers spread across the seabed, a skeletal frame now home to some surprisingly robust crabs. Look closely, and you’ll find little patches of anemones clinging to the darker nooks. We’d suggest going at high slack water; the visibility often perks up then, and you avoid getting pushed around. It’s perfect for a relaxed dive, a chance to appreciate a bit of maritime history without the usual depth demands. Our favourite part is finding where the bow planks once sat, now just a scatter of wood blending with the sand.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.650000, -1.601622
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ALEXANDER

Year Sunk
1845
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The Alexander, lost off Scotland's East Coast on March 24, 1845, is a wreck shrouded in mystery. With historical records being sparse, little is known about the vessel's purpose or the specific circumstances of its sinking. Today, it lies in just 2 metres of water, making it one of the shallowest designated wrecks in the region. Its classification as a 'dangerous wreck' indicates it poses a hazard to surface navigation, a testament to its proximity to the surface. For divers and snorkellers, the site likely consists of scattered, flattened remains, heavily eroded by over 175 years of relentless wave action and currents. Exploring the Alexander is a shallow hunt for historical clues amidst the kelp, best attempted on the calmest of days.

Marine Protected Area: Farne Islands

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to ALEXANDER

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