FIRELIGHT - Scottish East Coast & Borders

Now, if you’re heading to the Scottish East Coast, Firelight is one we always try to hit. It’s not just a wreck, it’s a proper piece of history down there, a steamship that went down back in 1917. We’ve found her at 21 metres, sitting upright and surprisingly intact for her age, which makes for a really satisfying dive. You can still make out the twin boilers, massive dark cylinders standing proud, and the triple expansion engine structure is pretty clear. Exploring the deck, you’ll swim through schools of saithe that hang around the superstructure, their silver scales catching the limited light. On the bow, we often see a conger eel peeking from a pipe, and the entire wreck is draped in dead man’s fingers, soft corals that sway gently with the surge. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the propeller shaft leads out; it’s just a great feeling tracing its line, imagining the ship's final moments. This site is perfect for divers who appreciate the story of a wreck as much as the sea life that now calls it home. Just be mindful of the often brisk Scottish currents, pick your slack tide, and you’ll have a cracker of a dive.

Location

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

Coordinates

55.022310, -1.351622

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

21m

Marine Protected Area: Tynemouth to Seaton Sluice