BRITISH OFFICER (AFTER PART) - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The British Officer’s stern section, resting at 13 metres, is a proper dive, especially on a day with decent vis. We’re not talking tropical colours, obviously, but the structure itself is fascinating. You drop onto a jumble of twisted metal, part of the stern, with the propeller and rudder still clearly identifiable. It’s a good size for an hour’s exploration, letting you poke around without feeling rushed. Our favourite part is weaving through the skeletal remains of the superstructure, where crabs seem to be having a permanent convention. We’ve seen conger eels tucked into some of the bigger gaps, just their heads peeking out, looking grumpy. The steel plates are draped in anemones, mostly plumose, swaying gently, and the odd nudibranch can be found if you slow down and actually look. It’s a rewarding wreck for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a chill; a drysuit is definitely our recommendation. It’s perfect for divers who enjoy taking their time and really getting to grips with a site.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.012480, -1.401783
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
13m

Wreck History - BRITISH OFFICER (AFTER PART)

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
6,991 GRT

The British Officer was a tanker built in 1922 for the British Tanker Co. Ltd. During the Second World War, she served a vital role in transporting fuel. On December 1, 1940, while off the Scottish coast, she was struck by a torpedo from the German U-boat U-52. The explosion was catastrophic, breaking the tanker in two. The bow section sank almost immediately, but the stern remained stubbornly afloat.

An attempt was made to tow the surviving aft part of the ship to safety, but the notoriously rough North Sea had other plans. The stern section was eventually overwhelmed by heavy weather and sank. Today, the wreck of the 'After Part' lies in just 13 metres of water, making it a highly accessible dive. While heavily salvaged and broken over the decades, divers can still identify the ship's massive boilers and turbine machinery, offering a tangible connection to this dramatic WWII event.

Marine Protected Area: Tynemouth to Seaton Sluice

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to BRITISH OFFICER (AFTER PART)

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