RICHARD DE LARRINAGA - Scottish East Coast & Borders

Diving the *Richard de Larrinaga* isn't about deep blue water or tropical fish; it’s about a piece of history, just below the surface. This steamship, sunk by an aerial mine in 1941, rests in a mere 6 meters, making it incredibly accessible for pretty much any diver comfortable with a drysuit and a bit of current. We love how the shallow depth means long bottom times, giving you ages to pick through the wreckage. The ship lies broken, but its sheer size is still impressive, over 126 meters long. You’ll find girders twisted like spaghetti, plates peeling back, and the exposed ribs of her hull creating dark, intriguing swim-throughs. Keep an eye out for the three massive boilers, a real highlight, often draped in dead man's fingers and home to squat lobsters tucked into every crevice. Visibility can swing dramatically with the tides and recent weather, so we always aim for slack water on a rising tide for the best chance of a clear view. It's a proper British wreck dive; gritty, atmospheric, and full of the quiet life that thrives in these cold, rich waters. Think robust crabs, blennies peering from holes, and always, always the chance of a curious seal zipping past.

Location

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

Coordinates

54.995285, -1.396200

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

6m

Marine Protected Area: Tynemouth to Seaton Sluice