SABBIA
Protected Area
Barns Ness 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 - SABBIA offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.
Dropping onto the Sabbia, you’re met with a proper slice of Scottish maritime history. This old steamer, gone since 1916, sits upright at 52 metres, making it a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts. The twin boilers are still prominent, creating a natural home for squat lobsters and the occasional ling. We’ve always found it impressive how intact much of the hull remains, hinting at her scale, and the triple expansion engine is a fantastic, if silty, rummage. It’s a dark dive, as you’d expect off the East Coast, but a strong torch beam picks out the detail and the anenomes clinging to the metalwork.
Typical SABBIA 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 52m 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.
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