H A BRIGHTMAN - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The H A Brightman isn't a wreck you'll find plastered across dive magazines, and that's precisely why we love it. Sunk way back in 1879, this old steamship sits upright on a sandy seabed at 20 metres, making it surprisingly accessible for a wreck of its age in Scottish waters. We’ve had some fantastic dives here. What really strikes you is the scale and the intactness for something so old; her bows are still sharp, pushing into the current. You can trace the entire length, from bow to stern, and the single boiler is a real focal point, surrounded by a swirling mass of wrasse and cod. We’ve found conger eels tucked into the darker recesses of the hold, their heads peering out like grumpy landlords. The decks have collapsed, of course, but the ribs of the hull stand proud, creating these eerie swim-throughs that are just begging to be explored, especially when the light filters down through the green water. Visibility can be a bit variable, but when it's good, say 8-10 metres, it's just magical. It’s a site that really rewards a slow, methodical exploration. We’d suggest a slack water dive for the best experience. It's a proper piece of history down there.

Location

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

Coordinates

54.773716, -1.241367

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

20m

Marine Protected Area: Durham