BENBOW - Scottish East Coast & Borders

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.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.359634, -1.659986
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
43m

Wreck History - BENBOW

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.

Marine Protected Area: Firth of Forth Banks Complex

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to BENBOW

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