wreck

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FRANCIS BATEY

The Francis Batey, sitting shallow in the Firth of Forth, often gets overlooked for deeper, flashier wrecks, but we think that's a mistake. This little tug, sunk back in '46, is a cracking dive, especially for those looking for something a bit different. She's only 4 metres deep, which means light penetrates beautifully, even on a cloudy Scottish day. We love how the light plays through the superstructure, illuminating the nooks and crannies where various small crabs and wrasse now call home. You'll find her mostly intact, lying on her side. Her engine room is quite open, an easy swim-through if you’re comfortable, and it's our favourite spot for spotting conger eels tucked into the dark corners. The deck provides plenty of shelter for juvenile fish, and the prop is still there, green with algae, a real photo opportunity. It’s a site that really shows how quickly the sea reclaims things, transforming a working vessel into a thriving mini-reef. Visibility can vary, as it always does here, but when it's good, say 5-8 metres, the whole wreck feels alive. A solid choice for a second dive or if you're keen on extending your bottom time without the chill of deeper water.