ATLAS (POSSIBLY) - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The Atlas, sitting upright at 59m, is a proper Scottish wreck dive, and we absolutely love it. Dropping onto her bow, the sheer scale hits you immediately. She's a big old steamship, built in 1897, and you can still make out the superstructure stretching away into the gloom. We’ve found the stern holds are often open, offering a dark, silty peek inside, just enough space to feel the history. The twin boilers are still prominent amidships, looking like a forgotten industrial heart, now home to clouds of tiny cod and curious ling. It’s a deep dive, no doubt, but for experienced cold water wreck enthusiasts, she delivers. Visibility can swing wildly; we've had days where you can see half the length of her, and others where it's a 5-meter tunnel vision adventure. Go for the latter; it adds to the mystery.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.802900, -0.919168
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
59m

Wreck History - ATLAS (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1918
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
3,090 GRT

The steamship Atlas, built in 1897, was a typical late-Victorian cargo carrier from the shipyards of West Hartlepool. For two decades she plied her trade, but the outbreak of the First World War changed her fate forever. On Valentine's Day 1918, while steaming off the Scottish East Coast, she was spotted by the German submarine UB-63. A single torpedo strike sealed her doom, sending the 3,090-ton vessel and her cargo to the seabed.

Lying at a challenging depth of 59 metres, the Atlas is a wreck reserved for experienced technical divers. The site is often subject to strong currents and low visibility, but the reward is a largely intact WWI-era steamship. Divers can explore the vessel's structure, including her two large boilers and triple-expansion engine, which stand as proud, silent monuments to a bygone age of steam and a world at war.

Marine Protected Area: Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to ATLAS (POSSIBLY)

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 typical depth range for diving the Atlas wreck in North Carolina?
The Atlas wreck, located off the Scottish East Coast & Borders, has a typical depth of 59 meters. This deep wreck dive requires appropriate planning and experience, contrasting with the location mentioned in the question.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Atlas dive site?
The Atlas dive site is a fascinating steam ship wreck, measuring 99m x 14.3m. Divers can explore its significant features, including two boilers, a triple expansion engine of 260 NHP, and a single shaft, all part of its 1897 construction.
How challenging is the Atlas dive site considered for divers, and what skill level is recommended?
The Atlas dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Due to its depth of 59 meters and the nature of wreck diving, divers should possess adequate experience and training for such conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive the Atlas wreck for optimal visibility and water conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal visibility and water conditions at the Atlas wreck is not available in our current database. For general guidance on dive conditions, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific certifications or experience levels required to dive the Atlas wreck?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed, the Atlas wreck is an intermediate difficulty dive at a depth of 59 meters. Divers should have advanced or technical diving certifications and significant experience with deep wreck diving to safely explore this site.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions divers might encounter at the Atlas dive site?
Details regarding the usual current and visibility conditions at the Atlas dive site are not specified in our current data. Divers planning to visit this 59-meter deep wreck should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on conditions.