ANNIE JANE - Scottish West Coast

We love a good historical wreck, and the Annie Jane on the Scottish West Coast delivers. She’s a sailing vessel, sunk way back in 1853, a proper classic. At 29 metres, it’s a dive for those comfortable with a bit of depth and cooler water, but what you find down there is truly special. The Annie Jane lies broken, but her sheer size, at 73.2 metres, is still evident. We always find ourselves tracing the collapsed poop deck, imagining the force of that wave that sent her down. There are scattered timbers and metal fittings, giving it that archaeological feel, like you're exploring a forgotten time capsule. Over the decades, the structure has become a home, with colourful anemones clinging to the wood and dead man's fingers adding vibrant splashes of orange. You'll often spot wrasse darting between the frames and, if you're patient, a sneaky conger eel peeking from a dark crevice. Our favourite part is navigating the skeletal remains, feeling the history around you, while the local critters go about their business. It’s a dive that speaks to both the wreck enthusiast and anyone who appreciates a vibrant, naturally colonised artificial reef.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.950000, -7.583334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
29m

Wreck History - ANNIE JANE

Year Sunk
1853
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
storm
Tonnage
1,294 tons

The Annie Jane was a brand new, three-masted wooden emigrant ship, built in Quebec in 1853. On only her second voyage, she departed Liverpool for Montreal carrying around 450 passengers and crew, the vast majority of whom were emigrants seeking a new life in Canada. The hopes and dreams of all on board were packed into her hull as she set sail into the Atlantic.

Tragedy struck on the night of September 28th, 1853. Caught in a ferocious gale off the Outer Hebrides, the ship was dismasted and became unmanageable. Helpless against the storm, she was driven onto the rocks of West Beach on the island of Vatersay. The vessel broke apart almost immediately in the violent surf, resulting in the catastrophic loss of an estimated 350 lives. With only around 100 survivors, the sinking of the Annie Jane remains one of the worst peacetime maritime disasters in British history.

Today, the wreck of the Annie Jane lies at a depth of 29 meters. The site is a scattered and broken debris field, a testament to the violence of her end and the relentless power of the sea over 170 years. Divers exploring the area will find a poignant scene of ironwork and hull fragments partially buried in the sand. It is a somber dive, a visit to an underwater grave that serves as a powerful memorial to the hundreds who perished in search of a better future.

Marine Protected Area: Eoligarry

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to ANNIE JANE

Marine Life in Scottish West Coast

Home to 127 recorded species including 50 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 10 seagrass & algae, 9 sharks & rays, 8 other, 7 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Annie Jane dive site?
The maximum depth of the Annie Jane dive site is 29 meters. This depth makes it suitable for divers with intermediate experience and appropriate training.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Annie Jane?
The Annie Jane is a 73.2-meter long sailing vessel that sank in 1853, offering a significant wreck structure to explore. Divers can expect to see the remains of this non-dangerous wreck, which was built in Quebec. While specific marine life details are not provided for this site, many wrecks in the Scottish West Coast become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is the Annie Jane dive site for recreational divers?
The Annie Jane dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty for recreational divers. This suggests that divers should have some experience and comfort with wreck diving or similar conditions before attempting this site.
What is the best time of year to dive the Annie Jane for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Annie Jane is not provided in the current data. For general guidance on diving in the Scottish West Coast, you may want to consult our When to Dive section for broader regional insights.
Are there any specific certifications required to dive the Annie Jane shipwreck?
While specific certification requirements for the Annie Jane are not explicitly stated, its "intermediate" difficulty classification suggests that divers should possess appropriate training and experience for wreck diving. Always ensure you have the necessary skills and equipment for such dives.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Annie Jane dive site?
Details regarding typical currents and visibility conditions at the Annie Jane dive site are not available in the provided data. Divers planning to visit this site on the Scottish West Coast should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on conditions.