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HMS CHESTER

Forget your tropical dreams for a moment, because the HMS Chester offers a different kind of magic. This isn't some pristine, colourful reef, it’s a tangible piece of history sitting upright at 20m. We love the way she’s mostly intact, the bow pointing north, a ghostly silhouette emerging from the green. It feels less like a wreck and more like a time capsule, a snapshot from 1916 when she went down after a collision. As you descend, the stern section reveals itself first, leading you towards the midships where the most interesting bits are. We always spend time exploring the winch gear, which is still largely in place, draped in dead man's fingers and anemones. Look closely, and you’ll spot wrasse darting between the plates, and often, a hefty conger eel peering out from a dark corner. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss, typical for the East Coast, but when it’s good, the light penetrating the mast structure is really something. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration and a keen eye for detail, perfect for divers who appreciate maritime heritage and don't mind a bit of a chill.