Wreck of Francis

Protected Area

St Andrews - Craig Hartle

Why dive here

With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - Wreck of Francis offers some of Scottish East Coast & Borders's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 112+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Francis is one of those wrecks that just grabs you. We love how the hull is pretty broken up, but you can still make out the bow and stern, feeling the ship’s skeleton emerge from the gloom. It’s got a real ghostly vibe down there, especially when the light is low, which it often is off this coast. We’ve seen conger eels poking out from the plates and crabs scuttling over the collapsed decks – it’s a living museum. For divers who enjoy a bit of history and don't mind a chillier dive, it’s a fascinating site. The Francis is perfect for a methodical exploration, poking around the debris for clues to its past. Visibility can be a bit variable, so pick a calm day if you can, and always carry a good torch to pierce the shadows within the wreck itself. It’s not about bright colours here, it’s about atmosphere and the quiet thrill of discovery.