FIRELIGHT (POSSIBLY) - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The Firelight, formerly the Rookwood, rests at 36 metres off the Scottish East Coast, a sombre yet fascinating dive. This isn't a site for the faint of heart or the inexperienced; currents can be strong, and the visibility, well, it’s Scotland. We’ve had days where the ambient light barely penetrates, and others where it’s surprisingly clear, revealing the wreck’s full, broken form. What makes this particular torpedoed steamship so compelling is its sheer sense of history. Built in 1896 and sunk in 1917, you can still make out the twin boilers, a stark reminder of its past. The triple expansion engine is a tangle of machinery, now home to a surprising number of squat lobsters and the occasional ling peeking from dark corners. Exploring the 71.9-metre length, you'll fin past sections of hull plating, heavily encrusted with dead man's fingers and colourful anemones. Our favourite part is navigating the broken stern, where conger eels have set up residence in the deeper recesses. This is a wreck for those who appreciate maritime history and don't mind a bit of a challenge.

Location

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

Coordinates

55.020317, -1.319033

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

36m

Marine Protected Area: Tynemouth to Seaton Sluice