ALEXANDER

Protected Area

Glas Eileanan

Why dive here

With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - ALEXANDER offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.

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

CharacterWreck dive · max 10m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The ALEXANDER is a bit of a historical stack up on the Scottish West Coast, and that's precisely what we find so intriguing. You're not just diving one wreck; you’re exploring a metal jumble where the ALEXANDER, a steamship, went down trying to salvage coal from the RIVER TAY, only to have the BALLISTA later join the party on top of both. It's a proper wreck pile, a testament to the sea's indifferent power. Dropping down to just 10 metres, this site is genuinely accessible, even for those newer to wreck diving, provided conditions are calm. We love picking our way through the collapsed sections, trying to piece together which ship belonged to which plate. You’ll see plenty of wrasse darting between the frames, and often, we’ve spotted dogfish tucked into the more sheltered corners. The low light filtering through the kelp, especially on a bright day, gives the whole scene an atmospheric, almost ghostly feel. It’s an interesting contrast to the more intact wrecks, offering a different kind of exploration. Bring a good torch; the nooks and crannies are where the shy stuff hides.

Typical ALEXANDER Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today05:1019:4214h 32m daylightGolden hour 18:50

ALEXANDER Wreck History

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

The story of the Alexander is one of incredible misfortune, creating a unique 'shipwreck sandwich' on the seabed. This steamship met its end while attempting a salvage operation on the wreck of the River Tay, which had sunk with a cargo of coal. In the process, the Alexander also went aground and sank directly on top of the vessel it was trying to save. In a final twist of fate, a third vessel, the Ballista, later sank on top of the Alexander, creating a three-layer wreck site.

Resting at a shallow 10 metres, this pile-up of maritime history offers a fascinating and unusual dive. Divers can explore the tangled remains of three separate ships from different eras, all layered together. The shallow depth allows for long bottom times and excellent light on a clear day, making it an accessible and intriguing site for novice and experienced wreck divers alike on Scotland's west coast.