HMS ASCOT - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The HMS Ascot is a fantastic wreck, sitting upright and surprisingly intact at 54 metres. We love how much of the original structure remains, a real testament to its build. You can really get a sense of its size, a mighty 75 metres long, as you descend onto the main deck. Paddle wheels, a rarity on these North Sea wrecks, are still clearly visible and our favourite feature to explore. Keep an eye out for conger eels poking their heads from pipes, and the odd wolf fish sheltering in the nooks and crannies. It's a proper technical dive, not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced, but for those with the training, it offers a deep dive into naval history and a surprisingly healthy wreck ecosystem. If you're looking for an atmospheric dive with a genuine sense of discovery, the Ascot delivers.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.632120, -1.497717
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Marine Protected Area: Farne Islands

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to HMS ASCOT

Marine Life in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Home to 126 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 12 whales & dolphins, 10 seagrass & algae, 10 sharks & rays, 9 crabs & lobsters, 8 other.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the HMS ASCOT dive site?
The HMS ASCOT dive site reaches a maximum depth of 54 meters. This makes it a significant deep wreck dive, requiring appropriate training and experience for safe exploration.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the HMS ASCOT?
Divers exploring the HMS ASCOT can expect to encounter the remains of a 75m x 8.8m steel-hulled minesweeper, built in 1916. Notable features include its four boilers, triple expansion engine with 1400 HP, and paddle propulsion system. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time; you can learn more about general marine life in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the HMS ASCOT wreck, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
Diving the HMS ASCOT is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Given its depth of 54 meters, divers should possess advanced deep diving certifications and experience with similar conditions to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year to dive the HMS ASCOT for optimal conditions?
Specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the HMS ASCOT is not available in our current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Scottish East Coast, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended to dive the HMS ASCOT?
Given the HMS ASCOT's maximum depth of 54 meters and intermediate difficulty, advanced deep diving certifications are highly recommended, if not required by local operators. Divers should also be proficient in wreck diving techniques and familiar with appropriate equipment for such depths.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility like at the HMS ASCOT dive site?
Our current data does not provide specific details on the typical underwater currents or visibility conditions at the HMS ASCOT dive site. Divers planning to visit this wreck should consult with local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on site conditions before their dive.