wreck

Log This Dive

HMS SOUTHSEA

Okay, so the HMS Southsea isn't going to win any awards for depth, sitting pretty much on the beach near Dunbar. But don't let that fool you. This is a genuinely fascinating intertidal wreck, and we love it for its sheer accessibility and history. What you're looking at here are the surprisingly intact skeletal remains of a paddle steamer, broken into three main sections. When the tide is out, the exposed ribs and plates create these incredible leading lines, drawing your eye right along the ship’s spine. We often find ourselves walking sections of it, imagining it in its prime. It’s absolutely our favourite spot for a low-tide walk with a camera, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light just catches the metalwork. As the tide comes in, the hull sections become these incredible mini-reefs. You'll spot crabs scuttling in the shadows, small blennies darting between the frames, and always, always the dense green of sea lettuce clinging to every surface. It’s an easy, rewarding experience for anyone who appreciates maritime history or just wants to explore a wreck without needing a tank.