BENBOW

Protected Area

Firth of Forth Banks Complex

Why dive here

With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - BENBOW offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 112+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 43m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Benbow, a trawler lost to an E-boat in 1917, sits upright and largely intact at 43 metres. It’s a deep dive, make no mistake, but the rewards are there for the experienced. We love how the wreck truly feels like a time capsule, covered in colourful anemones and dead man’s fingers, with conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating. Dropping down, the bow is often the first thing you pick out, rising from the seabed. Penetration is possible for those with the right training and gear, though we usually just enjoy exploring the deck and superstructure. Look for the massive propeller, often home to inquisitive wrasse. Visibility can be hit or miss, as with most Scottish sites, so pick your day carefully. Slack water is crucial here; currents can be fierce. It’s a fantastic piece of history and a truly immersive wreck dive for those comfortable with the depth.

Typical BENBOW Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Maximum depth 43m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:3017:1810h 48m daylightGolden hour 16:26

BENBOW Wreck History

Year Sunk

1917

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

torpedo

While the name might conjure images of Robert Louis Stevenson's famous Admiral Benbow Inn from 'Treasure Island', this wreck is the final resting place of a more humble vessel: the Grimsby trawler, Benbow. She was one of thousands of fishing vessels that bravely worked the North Sea during the perilous years of the First World War, providing food for a nation at war while constantly under threat from enemy action.

The Benbow's service came to a tragic end on September 2nd, 1917. While fishing off the Scottish coast, she was attacked and sunk by a German 'E-boat', a fast torpedo boat. She became another statistic in the relentless campaign waged against British maritime activity, a stark reminder that even the fishing fleet was on the front line.

Today, the Benbow lies at a depth of 43 meters on the seabed of the Scottish East Coast. This depth makes her a challenging dive reserved for experienced and suitably qualified divers. The wreck is a sombre memorial, with the remains of her trawling gear and machinery slowly being reclaimed by the sea. Exploring her offers a poignant connection to the civilian seafarers who lost their lives during the Great War.