BRITANNIA

Protected Area

Farne Islands

Why dive here

With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - BRITANNIA 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 6m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

We’ve spent a fair few days diving around the Scottish East Coast, and while the Britannia sits shallow, it’s a site we always enjoy. This isn’t a deep, dramatic plummet into the abyss; it’s a friendly, accessible wreck, perfect for divers who appreciate history without the pressure of extreme depths. The Britannia, a steamship that ran aground on Crumstone Rock in 1915, now lies broken but still recognisable at a maximum of 6m. When the visibility is good, which we’ve found is often the case on a calm day, the wreck truly comes alive. You can pick out the boiler, a prominent feature, and the stern section often holds the most interest. Schools of small pollack weave through the skeletal remains, and we’ve seen plenty of inquisitive wrasse darting in and out of the plating. It’s a great spot for macro life too; keep an eye out for nudibranchs on the encrusting sponges and anemones that cling to the metalwork. Our favourite part has to be tracing the outline of the hull, imagining the ship in its former glory. It’s a fantastic dive for newer wreck enthusiasts or those looking for a relaxed second dive.

Typical BRITANNIA Dive Profile

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

Safety Notes

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

Today06:2917:1910h 50m daylightGolden hour 16:28

BRITANNIA Wreck History

Year Sunk

1915

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

On September 25, 1915, during the height of the First World War, the 64-meter steamship Britannia was lost to a common maritime foe: fog. The vessel was navigating the Scottish coast when it ran hard aground on Crumstone Rock, a notorious navigational hazard. Unable to free itself, the ship was battered by the sea and eventually sank, becoming another victim of the unforgiving coastline.

Today, the Britannia lies in just 6 meters of water, making it a fantastic and highly accessible dive site. The shallow depth allows for ample bottom time and good natural light, illuminating the wreckage. The vessel is broken up, with sections of the hull, boilers, and steam machinery scattered around the base of the rock it struck over a century ago. It’s a dive rich in history, offering a tangible connection to the age of steam while showcasing how nature quickly reclaims man-made structures.