ANU (PROBABLY) - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The ANU is one of those wrecks that really gets under your skin. We love it because it’s a proper historical dive, not just a pile of plates. She lies mostly upright, well-preserved considering her age and the North Sea’s temperament. Dropping down, you’ll start to pick out her lines – the bow is particularly photogenic, often swarming with small pollock and a few curious wrasse. Our favourite part is exploring the midships, where the single boiler dominates the scene, a massive cylindrical beast that hints at the power she once held. Look closely at the deck plating around it; you can often spot large velvet swimming crabs scuttling into crevices, their eyes glinting. Penetration is limited and only for those with proper training and equipment, but there’s plenty to see from the outside. The stern offers some interesting structural elements too, with sections of deck collapsed in, creating nooks and crannies that lobsters and conger eels call home. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, letting your eyes adjust to the ambient light, taking in the scale of this old steamer. We’d suggest a slack water dive for the best experience, as currents here can be a bit frisky.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.448833, -2.600492
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Wreck History - ANU (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
1,409 GRT

The vessel that sank as the SS Anu had a long and varied career, reflecting the changing tides of maritime commerce. Built in 1883 in South Shields as the SS Billio, she sailed for over half a century under several names, including Excelsior and Wylo. By the time World War II began, the aging steamship was sailing under the Estonian flag as the Anu, a testament to her durability and the constant demand for cargo vessels.

In the early months of the war, the North Sea was one of the most dangerous shipping lanes in the world. On February 6, 1940, the Anu was en route from Blyth to Gothenburg, Sweden, with a full cargo of coal. Off the Farne Islands, she was spotted by the German U-boat U-13. A single torpedo struck the ship, and the old steamer sank quickly, resulting in the loss of 11 of her 18 crew members.

Today, the wreck of the Anu rests in just 22 metres of water, making it a popular and highly accessible dive on the Scottish East Coast. Years on the seabed and the force of her sinking have left the vessel heavily broken up, with wreckage scattered across the seabed. Despite this, her large boiler and engine block stand proud, providing a clear focal point for the dive. The scattered plates and ribs of the hull now provide a perfect habitat for a host of marine life, including lobsters, crabs, and large conger eels, making the Anu a fantastic dive for both history buffs and underwater photographers.

Marine Protected Area: Barry Links

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to ANU (PROBABLY)

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 are the typical depths of the dive sites visited by the ANU Scuba Club?
For the ANU (PROBABLY) dive site, a fascinating steam ship wreck, divers can expect depths of 22 meters. This specific site is located off the Scottish East Coast & Borders, offering an intermediate challenge. The provided data focuses on this particular wreck, so typical depths for other potential club sites are not specified.
What kind of marine life and underwater scenery can I expect at the ANU Scuba Club's dive locations?
The ANU (PROBABLY) dive site is primarily a historical steam ship wreck, offering an intriguing underwater scenery centered around the vessel itself. This ship, built in 1883 and sunk in 1940, provides a unique structure to explore off the Scottish East Coast & Borders. Specific details regarding marine life at this particular site are not available in the provided data, but wrecks often attract various species over time.
How challenging are the dives typically organized by the ANU Scuba Club, and what experience level is recommended?
Dives at the ANU (PROBABLY) wreck site are classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for divers with a good level of experience. This fascinating steam ship wreck, located off the Scottish East Coast & Borders, offers a rewarding challenge for those comfortable with its 22-meter depth. Divers should be proficient in their skills for this type of dive.
When is the best time of year to dive with the ANU Scuba Club for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions with the ANU Scuba Club or for the ANU (PROBABLY) wreck site. For general information on seasonal diving considerations, you might find our When to Dive section helpful.
What scuba diving certifications are required to participate in ANU Scuba Club dive trips?
The provided data does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required to participate in ANU Scuba Club dive trips. Given the intermediate difficulty of the ANU (PROBABLY) wreck site, it is generally recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, along with relevant wreck diving specialties. Please contact the club directly for their specific requirements.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility at the dive sites the ANU Scuba Club frequents?
Details regarding the usual current conditions and visibility at the ANU Scuba Club's dive sites, including the ANU (PROBABLY) wreck, are not available in the provided data. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning a dive in the Scottish East Coast & Borders. For general information on dive planning and safety, explore our equipment and safety resources.