CARIBOU - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The Caribou, a yacht sunk back in '59 after a collision, isn't just another lump of metal on the seabed. We love it because it’s a proper dive for wreck enthusiasts, sitting upright and largely intact at 36 metres. Drop down the line and you’ll find her mast still standing proud, stretching up towards shallower water. Inside, the saloon is surprisingly open, an easy swim-through if you’re comfortable with overhead environments and your buoyancy is dialled in. We’ve spent many a dive poking around, imagining her final moments. Look closely at the decking; it’s now completely encrusted with dead man’s fingers and bright anemones, miniature gardens thriving in the gloom. Conger eels often peer out from nooks and crannies in the hull, and the occasional ling cruises by, a shadow against the dark steel. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration rather than a quick dash. Best dived on slack water, obviously, to truly appreciate the detail.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.928432, -1.273294
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Wreck History - CARIBOU

Year Sunk
1959
Vessel Type
yacht
Cause
collision

The Caribou was a private yacht whose final voyage concluded tragically on July 4th, 1959. While navigating the waters of the Scottish East Coast, the vessel was involved in a collision with another sailing craft and sank. Its story is a somber reminder of the potential dangers of navigating busy maritime routes, even for smaller pleasure craft.

Now lying at a depth of 36 meters (118 feet), the Caribou is a dive for more experienced adventurers. The wreck is officially classified as a 'dangerous wreck,' meaning divers should exercise caution due to potential entanglement hazards like fishing nets or the wreck's own deteriorating structure. For those with the requisite training and preparation, the Caribou offers a fascinating glimpse into a mid-20th century yacht, preserved in the cold, clear waters off the UK coast. The marine life is typical of the North Sea, with an abundance of crustaceans and cold-water fish making their home on the wreckage.

Marine Protected Area: Noses Point

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to CARIBOU

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