ILIOUS - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The Ilious sits upright on the seabed at 22 metres, a solemn monument to the 20 souls lost when she collided with the SS Pierremont in 1902. She’s a good-sized steamship, 75 metres long, and we love how intact she is for a wreck of her age. Visibility here can be a bit of a gamble, but on a good day, when the light penetrates, you can see the distinctive lines of her hull and superstructure emerging from the gloom. Penetration is possible in a few spots, but this is a dangerous wreck so we’d urge caution and proper training before you even consider it. Our favourite way to dive the Ilious is to take our time on the outside, exploring the huge propeller and the rudder, then working our way forward along the deck. Look for wolf fish tucked into crevices and ling lurking in the darker corners. The wreck itself has become an artificial reef, with plumose anemones carpeting the metalwork and providing shelter for crabs. We'd suggest aiming for slack water, as currents can pick up and make the dive less enjoyable. It’s a dive that suits experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a challenge.

Location

Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.978867, -1.346083

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

22m

Marine Protected Area: Tynemouth to Seaton Sluice