ANWOTH

Protected Area

Sanda Islands

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) - ANWOTH 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

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Anwoth isn't just another trawler; she’s a proper piece of history, grounded right off Sanda near Sheep Island. You dive her right where she came to rest, a grand old girl built in 1915, now well and truly settled into the seabed. We love how accessible she is, mostly broken up but with enough structure remaining to give you a real sense of her past. The bow and stern are the most intact sections, offering great swim-throughs if the visibility is playing ball. You'll often find conger eels peering out from gaps, and the metalwork is blanketed in plumose anemones, swaying gently with the surge. Our favourite part is exploring the engine room remains – it’s a tangible link to the crew who once worked her. This site is fantastic for divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, especially those who enjoy close-up inspection of marine life colonising historical remains. Just be mindful of the currents around Sanda; slack water is always your friend here.

Safety Notes

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

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ANWOTH Wreck History

Year Sunk

1935

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

grounding

Tonnage

215 GRT

The Anwoth was a steam trawler built in Leith in 1915, spending two decades working the fishing grounds of the North Sea. Her career came to an abrupt end on a stormy day in January 1935. While battling rough seas off the Scottish west coast, the vessel ran hard aground near Sheep Island, Sanda, at the mouth of the Firth of Clyde. A dramatic rescue ensued, and all six crew members were safely brought ashore. The Anwoth, however, was battered by the relentless waves and was soon declared a total loss.

Lying at a depth of 0 metres, the remains of the Anwoth are scattered and broken in the intertidal zone. This is not a dive site in the traditional sense, but rather a piece of local maritime history visible to kayakers, snorkelers, and beachcombers at low tide. The wreckage serves as a stark reminder of the power of the sea and the dangers faced by fishermen in these unforgiving waters.