EMMA OF GEFLE

Protected Area

Farne Islands

Why dive here

With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - EMMA OF GEFLE offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 112+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 5m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Emma of Gefle, lying just off St Abbs Head, is one of those wrecks that really gets under your skin. It’s a steamship, sunk back in 1914, and though it sits in a mere 5 metres of water, it offers a surprisingly intricate dive. We love the way the light filters through the kelp, dappling the deck plates and allowing you to pick out details even on a cloudy day. You’re not going to find vast swim-throughs here, but the scattered wreckage creates a fantastic habitat. Expect to see plenty of wrasse darting between the metal plates, and we’ve often spotted lobsters tucked into crevices, their antennae twitching in the gentle surge. Our favourite part is navigating the ribs of the hull, now completely encrusted with anemones and dead man’s fingers. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially when the light is good and you can capture the contrast of the rusted steel against the vibrant marine growth. It’s a superb site for newer wreck divers looking to get a feel for a genuine historical wreck without the depth or current challenges. Just be mindful of the kelp in summer; it can get pretty thick.