wreck

Log This Dive

ILIOS (POSSIBLY)

The *Ilios* is a proper wreck dive, a steamship that went down in 1898 after a collision. At 24 metres, it’s well within recreational limits, but don’t underestimate the conditions off the Scottish East Coast. This isn’t a Caribbean drift. Expect chillier water and potentially reduced visibility, though on a good day, the water can be surprisingly clear, a sort of moody green that really suits the wreck. We love the fact that the *Ilios* still holds a lot of its shape. You can trace the lines of the hull, spot where the superstructure used to be, and imagine the impact that sent her to the seabed. Our favourite part is often the bow section, usually standing a little prouder, where the currents have scoured away some of the silt. Look for the resident wrasse and velvet swimming crabs making homes in the twisted metal. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the quiet dignity of a century-old vessel, not for those chasing brightly coloured corals. A decent torch is a must; it really brings out the textures of the encrusting life.