MARS - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The Mars, a Norwegian steamship sunk by a mine in 1939, sits upright in around 28 metres of water off the Scottish East Coast. She's a big old girl, 81 metres long, and while the stern took the brunt of the explosion, the bow section remains remarkably intact. We’ve found the triple expansion engines a real focal point, and the superstructure provides some interesting swim-throughs, now well-colonised by plumose anemones and various crabs. Conditions here can be challenging, but on a good day, exploring her holds and decks, you get a real sense of her history. It's a dive that rewards experience and good planning.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.063683, -1.403200
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

Marine Protected Area: Tynemouth to Seaton Sluice

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to MARS

Marine Life in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Home to 126 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 12 whales & dolphins, 10 seagrass & algae, 10 sharks & rays, 9 crabs & lobsters, 8 other.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the Mars shipwreck dive site?
The Mars shipwreck dive site has a maximum depth of 28 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Mars dive site?
The Mars is a fascinating steam ship vessel, measuring 81.1m x 12.8m, which was sunk on December 20, 1939, after hitting a mine. Divers can explore its structure and observe features like its triple expansion engines of 162 NHP. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
What is the difficulty level for diving the Mars shipwreck?
Diving the Mars shipwreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty level. It is also important to note that it is classified as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that divers should approach it with caution and appropriate experience.
When is the best time of year to dive the Mars wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Mars wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Scottish East Coast & Borders, we recommend checking our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Mars shipwreck?
The data provided does not specify exact certification requirements for diving the Mars shipwreck, though its intermediate difficulty suggests advanced open water or wreck diving certifications would be highly recommended. Divers should always ensure they have the appropriate training and experience for a dive of this nature, especially given its "Dangerous wreck" classification.
What are the typical visibility and current conditions at the Mars dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information on typical visibility or current conditions for the Mars dive site. Divers planning to visit this Scottish East Coast & Borders wreck should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions.