BEN ATTOW - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The Ben Attow isn’t a shallow potter, we’ll tell you that much. Dropping onto her takes a bit of commitment, especially when the North Sea decides to be herself. But get down there, and you’re visiting a proper piece of history. This old trawler, built in Aberdeen in 1900, sits upright at 55 metres, a dark silhouette against the murk. We love the way the light filters down, or often just doesn’t, adding to the atmosphere. Her story, mined on her way back to Dundee in 1940, makes the dive feel a bit more poignant. You can still make out the single boiler and the triple-expansion engine, mostly intact, which is always a treat for the mechanical enthusiasts among us. Over the years, she’s become home to some surprisingly vibrant life for a deep wreck in these waters. Expect to see plenty of wrasse darting through the superstructure, conger eels tucked into shadowy corners, and often, some impressive plumose anemones blooming off her plates. It’s a challenging dive, certainly, best suited for experienced divers comfortable with deeper excursions and often limited visibility, but the character of this wreck makes it well worth the effort.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.191590, -2.343217
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Wreck History - BEN ATTOW

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The SS Ben Attow was a quintessential Aberdeen steam trawler, built in 1900 by the renowned Hall Russel shipyard. For four decades, she plied the cold, productive waters of the North Sea, a workhorse of the Scottish fishing fleet. Owned by J. Craig of Aberdeen, she was powered by a triple-expansion steam engine, a testament to the engineering of her time. Her career, like that of many vessels, was cut short by the outbreak of the Second World War.

On February 27, 1940, while on a passage from Dundee for a fishing expedition, the Ben Attow met her fate. In the early, dangerous days of the war at sea, many ships were lost to mines or U-boat attacks. While the specific cause isn't listed, it's highly probable she struck a mine. Today, she rests in 55 meters of water off the Scottish coast. This is a challenging technical dive, reserved for experienced, properly equipped divers. Those who make the descent will find the remains of a historic trawler, a silent monument to the perils faced by civilian sailors during wartime.

Marine Protected Area: Isle of May

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to BEN ATTOW

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 range at the Ben Attow dive site?
The Ben Attow dive site is a wreck located at a depth of 55m. Divers exploring this site will typically be operating around this depth. This makes it a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Ben Attow?
The Ben Attow is a fascinating trawler vessel wreck, measuring 31.4m x 6.1m, which sank on February 27, 1940. While the data doesn't specify particular marine life, divers can expect to explore the structure of this historic vessel. For general information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Ben Attow, and is it suitable for all certification levels?
Diving at the Ben Attow is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 55m, this site is not suitable for all certification levels and requires advanced or technical diving certifications. Divers should possess the necessary training and experience for deep wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at Ben Attow for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data for the Ben Attow dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the Scottish East Coast, you might consult broader resources. We recommend checking local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning your trip.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or highly recommended for exploring Ben Attow?
Given the Ben Attow's depth of 55m and its classification as an intermediate difficulty wreck dive, specific advanced or technical diving certifications are highly recommended, if not required. Divers should be trained for deep diving and wreck penetration, ensuring they have the skills and equipment for such an environment.
What are the typical current strengths and water conditions like at the Ben Attow dive site?
The provided data for the Ben Attow dive site does not include information regarding typical current strengths or specific water conditions. Divers planning a trip to this Scottish East Coast wreck should consult local dive centers for the most current information on conditions. Always be prepared for varying conditions when diving in this region.