HMS ELISE
Protected Area
St Mary's Island
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 ELISE offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.
The HMS Elise, sitting at 28 metres, is a proper Scottish wreck dive, and we rate it as a standout for a good reason. This isn’t a pristine, intact ship, but rather a spread of debris that tells a story. We’re talking about the remains of a trawler, torpedoed in 1918, blown apart and scattered across the seabed. You’ll find sections of plating, twisted metal, and the occasional recognizable fitting emerging from the sand. What we really love about the Elise is the atmosphere. The low visibility, often around 5-10 metres, gives it a truly evocative feel. You push through the gloom, a torch beam cutting through the suspended particles, and suddenly a new piece of the wreckage appears. It’s less about penetration and more about discovery. Keep an eye out for the resident ling and conger eels that have made homes in the larger crevices. They’re usually quite chunky here, unbothered by divers. We’d suggest a slack water dive for the best experience; even a moderate current can make navigating the scattered remains a chore. This site is brilliant for divers who appreciate the history and the detective work of piecing together a wreck from its constituent parts, rather than those seeking a fully intact vessel.
Typical HMS ELISE Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 28m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to HMS ELISE
Dive shops near HMS ELISE
Northumbria Scuba Divers
Aquanorth
Scuba-Life
The Diving Centre Ltd
Aqua Purists
Newcastle University Sub Aqua Society
Reviews for HMS ELISE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS ELISE
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