ANNIE MELLING - Scottish West Coast

The Annie Melling, a trawler resting at 54m, is a fantastic dive for those who appreciate a proper historical wreck. She’s relatively intact, sitting upright, and her lines are still discernible, a real treat compared to some of the smashed-up heaps we often find. We love nosing around the wheelhouse area, which offers some nice penetration for experienced wreckies, and the bow is particularly photogenic. The site is exposed, so we always check the forecasts; a calm day makes all the difference here. Visibility can be 10m or more on a good day, but when it drops, the wreck still has enough character to keep things interesting. Keep an eye out for the resident conger eels peeking from beneath plates and the colourful jewel anemones that carpet sections of the superstructure. This is a cold water wreck, so drysuits are essential, and the depth means it’s definitely one for technical divers comfortable with deco. Our favourite time to dive her is late summer, when the light penetrates a little further, giving the wreck an almost ethereal glow.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.711018, -6.279050
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
54m

Wreck History - ANNIE MELLING

Year Sunk
1922
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown
Tonnage
203 GRT

Built in 1906, the Annie Melling was a typical steam trawler of her era, a workhorse of the Fleetwood fishing fleet. Originally named the Betty Johnston, she spent her career battling the harsh conditions of the North Atlantic to haul in her catch. Her service came to an end on August 11, 1922, when she foundered and sank in the deep waters of the North Channel, the strait separating Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Resting at a depth of 54 meters, the Annie Melling is a dive reserved for experienced, certified technical divers. The depth and cold, dark water demand careful planning, specialized equipment, and trimix breathing gases. For those qualified to make the descent, the reward is a visit to a well-preserved piece of early 20th-century history. Wrecks at this depth are often protected from the worst storm damage, and divers can expect to find a largely intact vessel. Exploring the deck, the fishing winches, and the prominent triple-expansion engine offers a thrilling glimpse into the world of steam-era trawling.

Marine Protected Area: Sea of the Hebrides

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to ANNIE MELLING

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 typical depth of the Annie Melling dive site?
The Annie Melling dive site typically reaches a depth of 54 meters. This deep wreck dive requires appropriate training and experience for safe exploration.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the Annie Melling?
The Annie Melling is a trawler vessel, measuring 35.8m x 6.6m. Divers can expect to explore its structural features, including a single boiler and a triple expansion engine. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species over time.
How challenging is the Annie Melling wreck dive, and what makes it difficult?
The Annie Melling wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. Its significant depth of 54 meters is a primary factor contributing to its challenge, requiring divers to manage gas consumption and potential decompression obligations carefully.
What are the best months or conditions for diving the Annie Melling wreck?
The provided data does not specify the best months or conditions for diving the Annie Melling wreck. For optimal diving conditions in the Scottish West Coast, it's always advisable to consult local dive operators or resources like DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive the Annie Melling due to its depth?
Given the Annie Melling's depth of 54 meters, divers would typically require advanced or technical diving certifications. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training for deep dives, including gas management, decompression procedures, and emergency protocols.
Are there strong currents or specific visibility challenges at the Annie Melling dive site?
The provided data does not specify information regarding strong currents or particular visibility challenges at the Annie Melling dive site. Divers should always check local conditions and forecasts before planning a dive, especially in areas like the Scottish West Coast where conditions can vary.