ANGELA
Protected Area
Coll Machair
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) - ANGELA offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The Angela, she’s a proper old girl, broken up but still plenty to explore. We’re talking about a steel-hulled motor vessel that ran aground back in ’53, now resting in a comfortable 5 metres of water. It’s shallow, which makes for a long, relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to potter about. You’ll find the wreck well-colonised, with plenty of plumose anemones swaying in the gentle surge, their white tentacles almost glowing against the dark steel. Look closer, and you’ll spot gobies darting between the plates and maybe even a velvet crab scuttling for cover. Our favourite part? We love picking through the scattered debris, trying to piece together the ship’s story, imagining her passage from Larne to Goole before that fateful heavy weather. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, best done on a calm day when the sun can really penetrate the water and light up the wreckage.
Typical ANGELA 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.
ANGELA Wreck History
Year Sunk
1953
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
545 GRT
The M.V. Angela was a 51-meter coastal freighter, a vital part of the UK's post-war shipping network. These small but sturdy vessels, often called 'coasters', were essential for transporting goods between regional ports. In April 1953, the Angela was on one such journey, carrying a cargo of bauxite from Larne in Northern Ireland to Goole in Yorkshire, a route that took it through the notoriously treacherous waters off Scotland's west coast.
On April 10, the ship fell victim to the very dangers this coastline is famous for. While navigating near the Isle of Oronsay, the Angela ran hard aground on a reef known as Sgeir nan Ron. Fortunately, the crew was rescued from their perilous situation. The ship, however, was immovably stranded. A subsequent gale moved in, and the powerful Atlantic waves broke the vessel apart, scattering its remains across the reef.
Today, the wreckage of the Angela is a fascinating shallow dive, resting in just 5 meters of water. The site is a sprawling underwater scrapyard, with the ship's steel plates, ribs, and engine components clearly visible. Exploring the debris field is like a treasure hunt, piecing together the story of the coaster's final moments. The twisted metal provides a perfect habitat for the area's rich marine life, including crabs, lobsters, and colorful wrasse, making it a superb dive when the Scottish weather cooperates.
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Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ANGELA
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