wreck

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Wreck of Merchant

The wreck of the Merchant off the Scottish East Coast is a proper dive, one that reminds you what cold water wreck diving is all about. We’ve done this one a few times now, and each visit offers something new, depending on the visibility and the mood of the North Sea. She lies broken but still recognisably a ship, with ribs and plating scattered across the seabed, creating little hideaways for the resident critters. Dropping down, you’ll often find dogfish resting in the crevices, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large lobsters tucked into the deeper sections of the hull. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the history and the atmosphere of a true maritime grave, rather than a pristine intact vessel. The currents here can be a bit frisky, so we always suggest timing your dive carefully with the slack tide; it makes the difference between an enjoyable exploration and a wrestle. Keep an eye out for the plumose anemones, they wave gently from every surface, adding a surprising softness to the otherwise stark remains.