CRADOCK
Protected Area
St Abb`s Head to Fast Castle
Why dive here
With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - CRADOCK offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.
Cradock is a proper deep dive, sitting at 55 metres, and it’s one we often think about. This trawler went down in ’41, courtesy of a German aircraft, and she now rests upright and mostly intact on the seabed. Dropping down, you’ll first pick out the stern, then the bow coming into view as the light fades. We love that the main deck is still there, allowing for some great penetration opportunities into the holds if you're appropriately qualified and equipped for overhead environments. Our favourite part has to be the engine room – it’s a tight squeeze, but the machinery is remarkably preserved. You’ll find plenty of inquisitive bib and wrasse darting around the superstructure, and we’ve often spotted conger eels tucked into the darker crevices. The sheer depth means visibility is usually quite good here, often around 10-15 metres, but it’s a site that demands meticulous dive planning and suitable gas mixes. Slack water is absolutely essential, as currents can be fierce. It’s a dive for technical divers, no question, offering a rewarding exploration of a piece of wartime history.
Typical CRADOCK Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 55m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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