ANNIE MC FADYEN - Scottish West Coast

The Annie Mc Fadyen, sitting in a mere seven metres, is a fantastic introduction to wreck diving off the Scottish West Coast. We love it because it’s so accessible, a real shallow-water treat. The fishing trawler went down in 1954, but time and tide have been kind to her, leaving a jumble of twisted metal and wooden decking that’s now home to a surprising amount of life. You’ll find butterfish darting through the broken sections, their iridescent scales catching the light, and we’ve often spotted colourful nudibranchs grazing on the encrusting sponges that soften the wreck's edges. The light penetration here is excellent, casting shifting patterns through the kelp that sways above the hull. It’s a site that suits divers looking for an easy, relaxing dive with plenty to explore, even if it’s not a deep-water behemoth. Our favourite spot is right near the stern, where a small, relatively intact section often shelters a grumpy crab or two. Visibility can be hit or miss, as with many Scottish sites, but on a good day, the Annie Mc Fadyen really shines.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.929080, -5.178921
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Wreck History - ANNIE MC FADYEN

Year Sunk
1941
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
63 GRT

The Annie McFadyen was a classic Scottish "puffer," a small, robust steam-powered cargo boat essential for trade and transport along the rugged west coast. Her working life came to an abrupt end on November 20, 1941, when she struck a rock and foundered near the Rubha nan Gall lighthouse, just off the coast of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Lying in just 7 meters of water, her shallow position makes her a navigational hazard, earning her the official classification of a "dangerous wreck." For divers, however, she is a wonderfully accessible piece of local maritime history. The wreck is heavily broken up, but her boiler stands proud of the seabed, providing a focal point for the dive and a home for a variety of marine life. This is a fantastic and relaxed dive for all certification levels, perfect as a second dive of the day or for those new to wreck exploration.

Marine Protected Area: Kyles of Bute

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to ANNIE MC FADYEN

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