ASTA (PROBABLY) - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The Asta sits deep, 58 metres down, a proper technical dive and one we reckon is worth the effort on a good day. She’s a steamship, built in 1883, and went down in 1927. You can feel that history in the cold, dark water when you drop onto her. What we love about the Asta is how intact she is, considering the depth and the conditions. You’ll find two massive boilers standing proud, and the triple expansion engine is still recognisable, a real feat of engineering frozen in time. The visibility here can be challenging, but when it clears, the wreck becomes an artificial reef. Crabs scuttle over the plating, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large lobsters tucked into crevices. It’s a site for experienced wreck divers, certainly, those who appreciate the quiet solitude of a deep historical wreck and the skill required to explore it safely. Plan your dive meticulously, watch your gas, and you'll have a fantastic encounter with a piece of maritime history.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.168316, -2.360617
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
58m

Wreck History - ASTA (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1927
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm
Tonnage
1,154 GRT

With a career spanning over four decades, the steamship ASTA had a long and storied life on the seas. Launched in 1883 by Palmer's Co Ltd in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, she sailed under several names, including Allende, Forest, Fingal, and Larnace, reflecting her changing owners and routes. By 1927, owned by the Swedish company A/B Maritine, the aging vessel was a testament to the durability of late Victorian shipbuilding.

In December 1927, while steaming through the notoriously rough North Sea, the ASTA was caught in a severe gale. Battered by the waves, the old ship began to take on water and eventually foundered on December 15th, sinking beneath the waves. Today, she lies at a depth of 58 meters off the Scottish coast. This depth places her firmly in the realm of technical diving, a challenging decompression dive reserved for experienced and properly equipped teams. Divers who make the descent are rewarded with the sight of a classic steamship wreck, with its triple-expansion engine and boilers providing a focal point on a site that has been reclaimed by the cold, dark waters of the North Sea.

Marine Protected Area: Isle of May

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to ASTA (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 is the maximum depth for diving at Asta Reef in Barbados?
The provided data pertains to the ASTA (PROBABLY) wreck located off the Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, not Asta Reef in Barbados. For the ASTA (PROBABLY) wreck, the maximum depth is 58 meters. We do not have information regarding Asta Reef in Barbados.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving Asta Reef?
The data for the ASTA (PROBABLY) dive site, a steam ship wreck off the Scottish East Coast, does not specify details about marine life or coral. As a wreck dive, it may attract various species, but no specific information is provided in the current context. For general marine life information, you can explore our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Asta Reef dive site for different skill levels?
The ASTA (PROBABLY) wreck, located in the Scottish East Coast & Borders, is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This steam ship wreck lies at a depth of 58 meters, making it suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience. You can find more details about this dive site on its dedicated page: ASTA (PROBABLY).
What is the best time of year to dive Asta Reef for optimal conditions?
Our current data for the ASTA (PROBABLY) wreck in the Scottish East Coast & Borders does not include information on the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. Factors like visibility and water temperature can vary seasonally in this region. For general guidance on dive planning, please visit our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Asta Reef?
Given that the ASTA (PROBABLY) wreck is an intermediate dive site with a maximum depth of 58 meters, advanced certifications are highly recommended. Divers should possess training suitable for deep wreck diving to safely explore this historic steam ship. Always ensure your certification level matches the demands of the dive.
What are the typical current and water conditions at Asta Reef?
The provided data for the ASTA (PROBABLY) wreck off the Scottish East Coast & Borders does not include specific details about typical current or water conditions. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on currents, visibility, and water temperature before planning a dive to this 58-meter deep wreck.