wreck

Log This Dive

GENERAL HAVELOCK

The General Havelock, lost way back in 1894, sits incredibly shallow, just 3 meters deep. That’s what makes this Sunderland-built iron steamer so special. We love it because it’s not some deep, dark mystery; you can properly spend time exploring. The wreck is pretty broken up now, a scattering of ribs and plates, but the boiler is still a big, obvious landmark, surprisingly intact considering the years it’s spent in the North Sea. It’s an easy, relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to potter about, seeing what they can find tucked into the twisted metal. We’ve spotted countless crabs scuttling over the ironwork and small schools of wrasse darting between the frames. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, sunny day with a slack tide; the visibility can really open up then, letting the light filter through the water and illuminate the rust-coloured wreckage. It’s a great site for newer divers looking for their first wreck experience, or more experienced ones who appreciate a historical relic in comfortable conditions.