DOLPHIN (EX-HMS PANDORA). - Scottish East Coast & Borders

There’s something about a big wreck just sitting there, reasonably intact, that really gets us. The Dolphin, originally HMS Pandora, is exactly that – a behemoth lying on its side in just 19 metres. It’s a good, solid dive, especially if you catch it on a calm day with decent visibility, which for the Scottish East Coast, means anything over five metres. You’ll drop onto a massive hull, often shrouded in a green glow, and immediately feel the sheer scale of the ship. We love picking out details; the huge anchors are still in place, almost mocking the seabed, and you can swim along the deck where the superstructure once stood proud. The wreck is now home to an impressive collection of life. Dead man’s fingers cling to every surface, waving gently in the surge, and the nooks and crannies are packed with crabs and lobsters. Our favourite part is exploring the bow section, where the plates have started to peel back, creating dark hidey-holes for conger eels. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of silt. Not for the faint-hearted on a lumpy day, but a genuinely rewarding experience for wreck enthusiasts.

Location

Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

55.101734, -1.454400

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

19m

Marine Protected Area: St Mary's Island