BAY FISHER - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The *Bay Fisher* is one of those wrecks that really gets under your skin. Lying at 48 metres, it’s a site we always recommend for divers comfortable with depth and a bit of current, because the payoff is immense. She went down fast in 1941, bombed by a German aircraft, and now sits largely intact, upright on the seabed. You can see the triple expansion engine, still a powerful looking piece of machinery, and the single boiler is a huge presence in the midships. We love heading into the hold, where schools of cod often hang in the gloom, seemingly unafraid, before they ghost away into the deeper parts of the wreck. Look for the wolf fish, too; they’re often tucked into crevices, their broad heads and impressive teeth making them a real find. Visibility can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in these parts, but on a good day, when the light penetrates the green water, the *Bay Fisher* feels like a proper journey back in time. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration, making it our pick for those who appreciate the history as much as the marine life that now calls it home.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.469450, -2.321600
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
48m

Wreck History - BAY FISHER

Year Sunk
1941
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
aircraft
Tonnage
674 GRT

Built in Aberdeen in 1919, the SS Bay Fisher served as a commercial steamship for over two decades before being requisitioned by the British Admiralty for service during the Second World War. As a naval stores carrier, her role was to transport essential supplies between the key naval bases of the United Kingdom, a vital but perilous task during the height of the Battle of the Atlantic and the German air campaigns against British shipping.

On February 7th, 1941, her service came to a tragic end. While on passage from the main fleet anchorage at Scapa Flow to the naval dockyard at Rosyth, she was attacked by a German aircraft off St Abbs Head. The attack was devastating, and the Bay Fisher sank quickly, taking her entire crew of 21 men with her. She came to rest on the seabed, a silent casualty of the war at sea.

Today, the Bay Fisher lies upright at a depth of 48 meters. This is a dive reserved for experienced, certified technical divers due to the depth and conditions. The wreck is remarkably intact for her age, with the superstructure, holds, and machinery still recognizable. Divers can explore the ghostly remains of her deck structures and peer into the cargo areas, a poignant reminder of her final voyage. The depth ensures that bottom time is limited, making every moment on this historic wreck a precious one.

Marine Protected Area: Whiting Ness - Ethie Haven

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to BAY FISHER

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 at the 'BAY FISHER' dive site?
The 'BAY FISHER' dive site is located at a significant depth of 48 meters. This makes it a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience to explore the historic steam ship vessel safely. You can find more details about this site at BAY FISHER.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at 'BAY FISHER'?
Divers at 'BAY FISHER' can expect to explore the impressive remains of a 50.2m x 8.2m steam ship vessel, sunk in 1941. Key features include its boiler, triple expansion engine, and single shaft, which provide excellent habitats for various marine life. To learn more about potential encounters, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the 'BAY FISHER' dive site for different skill levels (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced)?
The 'BAY FISHER' dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With a depth of 48 meters, it is best suited for divers who have advanced training and experience in deep and wreck diving. Beginners should gain more experience and certifications before attempting this challenging site.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at 'BAY FISHER' for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters at the 'BAY FISHER' dive site. We recommend consulting local dive centers for current conditions and forecasts. For general guidance on planning your dives, please visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive safely at 'BAY FISHER'?
Given the 'BAY FISHER' dive site's depth of 48 meters and its intermediate difficulty, certifications for deep diving and wreck diving are highly recommended. Divers should possess the necessary training and experience to safely navigate such environments. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for these challenging conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the 'BAY FISHER' dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions or visibility at the 'BAY FISHER' dive site. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators or recent dive reports for up-to-date information on these factors. Always prioritize safety and local expertise when planning your dive.