wreck

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POVENA

The Povena isn't for everyone, but for those who love a good, solid piece of maritime history, it’s a compelling dive. Lying in a relatively forgiving 16 metres, this steamship, sunk way back in 1899, offers a real sense of scale. We love the feeling of swimming over her huge hull, tracing the outline of a vessel that once plied these cold North Sea waters. The structure itself is well broken up, but you can still make out the formidable boiler and the impressive triple expansion engine, now completely colonised by an array of anemones and dead man’s fingers. It’s the sheer bulk of the wreck and the way it’s become a habitat that truly stands out. Look closely and you'll spot crabs scuttling amongst the plates and various small fish darting in and out of the crevices. Our favourite part has to be navigating the larger sections of the hull, picturing the ship in its prime, then seeing how nature has completely reclaimed it. Visibility can be hit or miss, as with much of the Scottish East Coast, but on a good day, the low light filtering down onto the wreck gives it a wonderfully atmospheric feel. We’d suggest a slack water dive for the best chance to really take your time exploring. This is a dive for history buffs and those who appreciate the quiet dignity of a wreck taken by the sea.