VESTRA - Scottish East Coast & Borders

The *Vestra* is one of those wrecks that just delivers. We find her at 38 metres, a steamship that went down with a coal cargo in 1917. She’s definitely for the experienced diver, someone comfortable with deeper dives and the sometimes-finicky conditions of the Scottish East Coast. Dropping down onto the *Vestra*, you’re met with a proper wreck, not just a pile of plates. The stern is our favourite part; the propeller lies off to one side, completely detached, a massive bronze disc in the gloom. The triple-expansion engine is still there, impressive in its scale, and you can poke around the single boiler. The cargo holds are full of coal, just as she sank, a dark, textural contrast to the encrusted metal. Visibility here can be a lottery, but on a good day, when the light penetrates, it’s magical. Dead man's fingers cover the bulkheads, and we’ve often seen wolf fish peeking out from dark corners, alongside ling and conger eels. It’s a real historical dive, a chance to connect with a moment in time, with enough structure and marine life to make every visit interesting. We always suggest timing your dive for slack water to avoid strong currents.

Location
Scottish East Coast & Borders, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.762900, -1.130249
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Marine Protected Area: Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish East Coast & Borders

Nearest Dive Centres to VESTRA

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

What is the maximum depth for diving the VERA shipwreck near Pelion and Skiathos, Greece?
The provided data is for the VESTRA shipwreck, located off the Scottish East Coast in the United Kingdom, not the VERA shipwreck in Greece. For the VESTRA, divers can expect a maximum depth of 38 meters. You can find more details about this historic wreck at DivePlnr's VESTRA page.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the VERA shipwreck site?
The data available describes the VESTRA shipwreck, a steam ship vessel sunk in 1917, rather than the VERA in Greece. Divers exploring the VESTRA can expect to see the remains of a 65.8m x 9.8m cargo ship, including its single boiler and triple expansion engine. While specific marine life details are not provided for this site, you can explore general marine life databases for the region.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving the VERA shipwreck in Greece?
The information provided pertains to the VESTRA shipwreck, an intermediate difficulty dive to 38 meters, not the VERA in Greece. Due to its depth and classification as an intermediate wreck dive, advanced certifications such as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, often with a deep dive specialty, are highly recommended. Always ensure you are properly certified and equipped for such dives, and check the specific requirements for the VESTRA.
How challenging is the VERA shipwreck dive, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The data indicates that the VESTRA shipwreck, not the VERA, is classified as an 'intermediate' difficulty dive. This means it is not suitable for all experience levels, particularly novice divers. Divers should possess appropriate training and experience for wreck diving at 38 meters, and it is also classified as a 'Dangerous wreck'.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the VERA shipwreck for optimal conditions in Greece?
Information regarding the best months or seasons for optimal diving conditions at the VERA shipwreck in Greece is not available in the provided data. The context describes the VESTRA shipwreck in the UK, for which seasonal data is also not provided. For general guidance on dive seasons, you can consult our When to Dive section, but specific conditions for the VESTRA would require local knowledge.
What are the typical currents and water conditions experienced at the VERA shipwreck dive site?
The provided data for the VESTRA shipwreck, located in the UK, does not include specific details about typical currents or water conditions. Therefore, we cannot provide information on these factors for the VERA shipwreck in Greece. Divers planning to visit the VESTRA should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on currents and conditions.