CAP CAVALL - Scottish East Coast & Borders

Cap Cavall, scuttled in ‘85, sits upright in a tidy 10 metres. We love an intentionally sunk wreck, and this one delivers. It’s a fishing vessel, 16.5m long, not huge, but perfectly sized for a relaxed rummage around. The wheelhouse is still there, largely intact, and you can peer through the windows. Below deck, the hold is open, a dark space that always feels a bit eerie, but in a good way. What makes it a standout for us isn't just the wreck itself, but how it's become a home. The hull is thick with dead man's fingers and anemones. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of scuttling crabs, often a few lobsters tucked into crevices, and we’ve seen some surprisingly chunky conger eels here, always a thrill. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical for the East Coast, but on a good day, with a bit of sunlight filtering down, it’s a genuinely engaging dive. It’s an easy, shallow dive, perfect for photographers wanting to spend some time composing shots, or newer wreck divers looking to gain confidence without strong currents or deep deco obligations. Our pick for a leisurely afternoon dive.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.188250, -2.556521
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - CAP CAVALL

Year Sunk
1985
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
scuttled

The Cap Cavall was a 16.5-meter wooden-hulled fishing vessel that worked the waters off the Scottish coast. By the mid-1980s, the vessel had reached the end of its economic life. Rather than let it rot in a harbor, its owner decided to give it a new purpose. On July 3rd, 1985, the Cap Cavall was intentionally sunk, or scuttled, to become an artificial reef and a point of interest for scuba divers exploring the renowned St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve.

Today, the Cap Cavall rests on a sandy seabed at a depth of 10 meters, making it a perfect site for entry-level divers and those undertaking training. Over the decades, the wooden structure has broken down significantly, but the wreck's recognizable shape is still present. It is now completely enveloped in marine life, with colorful anemones, dead man's fingers, and sea urchins covering its remains. Divers can expect to find ballan wrasse, pollack, and numerous crustaceans sheltering within the wreckage, transforming this retired fishing boat into a vibrant underwater habitat.

Marine Protected Area: Isle of May

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to CAP CAVALL

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