HMS COLUMBA (PROBABLY)

Protected Area

Isle of May

Why dive here

With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - HMS COLUMBA (PROBABLY) offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 112+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 48m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Alright, the HMS Columba. Emphasis on the ‘probably’ here, because frankly, nobody’s 100% sure, and that’s part of the charm. Dropping onto her at 48 metres off the Scottish East Coast is a proper technical dive, no two ways about it. We’ve always had a soft spot for wrecks with a bit of mystery, and this boom defence vessel, sunk by a mine in 1918, fits the bill perfectly. She’s not massive, around 30 metres long, but what’s left is surprisingly intact in places. You’ll find the single boiler standing proud, usually shrouded in a decent shoal of wrasse. Our favourite is poking around the triple expansion engine, it’s still got that ghostly, industrial presence. Visibility can be hit or miss – this is Scotland after all – but when it’s good, the light plays beautifully through the superstructure, illuminating the squat lobsters and crabs that have made her home. It’s a quiet, contemplative dive, really; one for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a depth challenge. Just remember your decent thermal protection, even in summer, the water bites down there.