FINGAL - Scottish East Coast & Borders

Fingal. Now there’s a proper dive. We’re talking about a WWI torpedoed steamship, sitting upright in 56 metres of cold Scottish water, 85 metres long. It’s a deep one, so trimix is your friend here, and you’ll want to be comfortable with deco. What we love about Fingal is how intact she is; you can still make out the superstructure, the railings, even the anchor chain disappearing into the bow. Descent takes you down into the gloom, and as the wreck materialises, the sheer scale is impressive. The visibility can be surprisingly good, sometimes 10-15 metres, which really lets you appreciate the lines of the ship. We’ve spent hours just exploring the deck, spotting conger eels lurking in shadowed compartments and countless squat lobsters clinging to the metalwork. Our favourite spot is around the stern, where the torpedo damage is still visible, a stark reminder of her demise. It’s a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don’t mind a bit of a chill; a true expedition into the past.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.345333, -1.342694
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
56m

Marine Protected Area: Coquet Island

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to FINGAL

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for scuba diving at Fingal dive sites, including Cook Island?
The FINGAL wreck, a steam ship vessel, is found at a depth of 56 meters, offering an exciting dive experience. This makes it a deep dive suitable for appropriately certified divers. Information regarding typical depths for Cook Island is not available in the provided data.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving around Fingal and Cook Island?
When diving the FINGAL wreck, divers can explore the remains of an 85.3m x 10.7m steamship, including its two boilers, triple expansion engine, and single shaft. This non-dangerous wreck, sunk in 1915, provides a fascinating historical underwater feature. Specific marine life details for Fingal or Cook Island are not available in the provided information; for general marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites at Fingal and Cook Island, and are they suitable for beginner divers?
The FINGAL dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it unsuitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and training for wreck diving at 56 meters. Information regarding the difficulty of Cook Island dive sites is not available.
What is the best time of year to dive at Fingal and Cook Island for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at FINGAL or Cook Island for optimal conditions and marine life sightings is not available in the provided data. We recommend checking local dive operators for current conditions and visiting our When to Dive section for general guidance.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Fingal and Cook Island?
Given the FINGAL wreck's depth of 56 meters and intermediate difficulty, advanced certifications such as Deep Diver and Wreck Diver specialties are highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience for such challenging dives. Specific certification requirements for Cook Island are not available.
What are the typical current and water conditions like for diving at Fingal and Cook Island?
Details regarding the typical current and water conditions for diving at FINGAL or Cook Island are not provided in the available data. Divers should always consult with local dive centers for up-to-date information on site conditions before planning their dive.