PATHFINDER
Protected Area
Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast
Why dive here
With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - PATHFINDER offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.
The Pathfinder, sitting at 49 metres, is one of those wrecks that just oozes history, even if it’s a relatively recent sinking from 1978. We love how eerily intact she is for a vessel abandoned in such a hurry. You can picture the scramble as the crew sent that distress call before she went down. Descending onto her, the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the murky Scottish water, giving everything a muted, almost sepia tone. The wheelhouse is still there, largely intact, and poking your head inside feels like stepping back in time. Elsewhere, the hold is open, inviting exploration, though always be mindful of silt. It’s a proper wreck dive, not just a pile of debris. Around the structure, plumose anemones cling to every surface, their feathery tentacles swaying in the gentle surge, and we often spot wolfish lurking in shadowed nooks. This isn’t a dive for the novice; the depth and potential for currents mean you need to be comfortable and experienced. For those who are, it’s a rewarding journey into a piece of maritime drama.
Typical PATHFINDER Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 49m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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 PATHFINDER
Dive shops near PATHFINDER
Sunderland Scuba Centre
The Diving Centre Ltd
Aquanorth
Scuba-Life
Aqua Purists
Newcastle University Sub Aqua Society
Reviews for PATHFINDER
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for PATHFINDER
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