FIRELIGHT
Protected Area
Tynemouth to Seaton Sluice
Why dive here
With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - FIRELIGHT offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.
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.
Typical FIRELIGHT Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 21m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
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.
Nearest Dive Centres to FIRELIGHT
Dive shops near FIRELIGHT
Aquanorth
The Diving Centre Ltd
Northumbria Scuba Divers
Sunderland Scuba Centre
Scuba-Life
Aqua Purists
Reviews for FIRELIGHT
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for FIRELIGHT
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