CARMARTHEN COAST

Built in 1921 by the Ardrossan Dry Dock & Shipbuilding Co, the vessel that would become the SS Carmarthen Coast began her life as the Langfjord, later being renamed Nova. By the time of her loss, she was sailing for the well-known Coast Lines Ltd. A typical coastal cargo ship of her time, she was powered by a triple-expansion steam engine and spent nearly two decades plying the trade routes around Europe.

With the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939, the North Sea became one of the most dangerous shipping lanes in the world. On November 9, 1939, while steaming off the Scottish coast, the Carmarthen Coast's luck ran out. She struck a naval mine that had been laid by a German destroyer, part of an extensive and deadly minefield. The explosion was catastrophic, and the ship sank quickly, becoming an early casualty of the new conflict.

Today, the Carmarthen Coast rests in 26 meters of water, making her an excellent dive for Advanced Open Water certified divers and above. The wreck is located on the Scottish East Coast, an area known for its rich but sometimes challenging dive conditions. The vessel is substantially intact, offering divers the chance to explore the decks, holds, and superstructure. The cold, nutrient-rich water supports a stunning array of marine life, with colorful anemones, dead man's fingers, and schooling fish covering the wartime relic.