BANGARTH - Scottish East Coast & Borders

We love a good wreck that tells a story, and Bangarth, off the Scottish East Coast, certainly fits the bill. This auxiliary collier, sunk in 1917, now rests upright at 46 meters, a shadowy silhouette against the green murk. Dropping onto her deck, you’re immediately struck by the sheer scale; 83 metres long, her two boilers are a prominent feature, and you can easily explore the engine room, feeling the tight squeeze as you duck under a bulkhead. Visibility here can be a real lottery, but on a good day, the light filtering down creates an eerie, almost cathedral-like atmosphere within the holds, where cod and ling lurk. We’ve often seen conger eels poking their heads out from twisted metal, and the deck itself is carpeted in jewel anemones and dead man’s fingers. This isn’t a dive for the faint of heart or the inexperienced; the depth and potential for strong currents demand good air consumption and advanced skills. But for those who relish the challenge, Bangarth offers a deep dive into maritime history, a palpable sense of the past clinging to every rivet and plate. Our advice? Pick your slack tide carefully, and be prepared for a proper Scottish adventure.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.231667, -1.418217
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
46m

Wreck History - BANGARTH

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
1,873 GRT

Launched in 1906, the SS Bangarth served as a collier, a hardworking steamship designed to transport coal. With the outbreak of World War I, she was put into service as a Royal Navy Auxiliary Collier, tasked with the critical mission of supplying coal to fuel the warships of the British fleet. Her service came to a sudden end on December 13, 1917, while sailing in a convoy off the rugged coast of St Abb's Head, Scotland. She was struck by a torpedo from the German submarine UB-77 and sank quickly, though fortunately, all but two of her crew were rescued.

Lying at 46 meters, the Bangarth is a challenging and rewarding dive for experienced and technical divers. The wreck sits on its port side and remains remarkably intact for a vessel of its age. Its sheer size is impressive, and divers can explore the superstructure, holds, and the prominent boilers and engine block. The dark, cool waters of the North Sea have preserved the wreck well, and it is now draped in anemones and frequented by wolf-fish, ling, and large cod, making it one of the classic deep wreck dives on the Scottish coast.

Marine Protected Area: Coquet to St Mary's

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to BANGARTH

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 diving depth at the BANGARTH dive site?
The BANGARTH dive site, a fascinating wreck, is typically dived at a depth of 46 meters. This deep dive offers an excellent opportunity to explore the remains of the steam ship vessel.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at BANGARTH?
At the BANGARTH dive site, divers can explore the impressive underwater features of a steam ship vessel, an RN Auxiliary Collier sunk on December 13, 1917. The wreck measures 83.8m x 12.2m and still features its two boilers and triple expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species.
How challenging is the BANGARTH dive site for different experience levels?
The BANGARTH dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond basic certification, who are comfortable with deeper dives and potential wreck diving conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive at BANGARTH for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at BANGARTH for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at BANGARTH?
Given the BANGARTH dive site's depth of 46 meters and intermediate difficulty, divers would typically need certifications beyond Open Water, such as an Advanced Open Water Diver or Deep Diver specialty. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper wreck dives.
What are the usual currents and water conditions like at the BANGARTH dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the usual currents or water conditions at the BANGARTH dive site. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning their dive.