BULLGER - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The Bullger, a tug sunk by a mine in 1941, isn't your typical deep, dramatic wreck. At just 9 metres, it’s remarkably shallow, but that’s precisely why we love it. This isn't a site for pushing limits, it's for slow, deliberate exploration and soaking up the atmosphere. You’ll find the Bullger upright and largely intact, her superstructure still reaching proudly towards the surface, encrusted with dead man's fingers and anemones. The real magic here happens in the details. Peer into the open doorways and you might spot a lobster waving its antennae from the shadows, or a playful conger eel slithering through the collapsed wheelhouse. We’ve spent whole dives just circling the stern, watching schools of juvenile saithe dart amongst the propeller blades. The visibility can be hit or miss – it’s the East Coast, after all – but even on a greener day, the wreck stands out sharply against the sandy seabed. Our favourite approach is to dive it at slack high water; the gentle currents make poking around the nooks and crannies much easier. It’s a perfect spot for newer wreck divers or anyone who appreciates a relaxed dive with a tangible sense of history.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.253082, -1.541778
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Wreck History - BULLGER

Year Sunk
1941
Vessel Type
tugboat
Cause
torpedo

The tugboat Bullger met a violent end in the darkest days of World War II. On March 14th, 1941, while operating off the Scottish East Coast, she struck a mine and sank almost instantly. Tugboats were unsung heroes of the war, performing vital, often dangerous, work guiding larger vessels, assisting with salvage, and keeping the crucial supply convoys moving in and out of port.

Lying in just 9 meters of water, the Bullger is a very shallow dive, but one that requires caution. Her classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' suggests that the explosion left her hull twisted and unstable, with sharp metal and potential entanglement hazards. For experienced divers, she is a poignant reminder of the coastal war, a small but significant vessel lost in the global conflict. The dive offers a moment to reflect on the immense wartime effort and the sacrifice of the crews who worked tirelessly on these humble, powerful boats.

Marine Protected Area: Northumbria Coast

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to BULLGER

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