AYRIEL
Protected Area
Western Gailes
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) - AYRIEL offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The *Ayriel* might not be the biggest wreck on the Scottish West Coast, but she’s certainly got character. Sunk in 2006, this 8-meter yacht now rests upright at 31 meters, a surprisingly intact little time capsule. We love the way the mast still points skyward, usually festooned with feathery hydroids and the occasional inquisitive wrasse. It’s a site that really rewards a slow, methodical exploration. Peer into the cockpit and you’ll often find a velvet crab scuttling for cover, or a squat lobster clinging to the decking. We always find ourselves circling the stern, checking out the prop and rudder, which are often covered in jewel anemones, a vibrant splash of colour against the grey. For divers comfortable with deeper wrecks and keen on macro life and smaller, more intimate explorations, the *Ayriel* is a fantastic choice. Just keep an eye on the thermocline; it can get chilly, so a good drysuit is a must. The visibility can be variable, but even in murkier conditions, the wreck’s compact size makes it easy to navigate.
Typical AYRIEL Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (31m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
AYRIEL Wreck History
Year Sunk
2006
Vessel Type
yacht
Cause
storm
The Ayriel was a small, 8-metre private yacht whose final voyage came to a dramatic end on August 9, 2006. While sailing in Loch Sunart on the rugged west coast of Scotland, the vessel was caught in worsening weather. A large wave swamped the small boat, and it began to take on water faster than the pumps could handle. The two crew members issued a Mayday call before abandoning their rapidly sinking yacht and were thankfully rescued by the Tobermory lifeboat.
Now designated a 'Dangerous Wreck' due to its position, the Ayriel sits upright and intact on the seabed at a depth of 31 metres. For qualified divers, she presents a fascinating modern wreck dive. As a small target, she is easy to navigate in a single dive. Her lines are often draped with anemones and her cabin provides shelter for conger eels, crabs, and lobsters. The wreck is a testament to the swift and unforgiving nature of the Scottish seas, offering a poignant and personal diving experience.
Nearest Dive Centres to AYRIEL
Dive shops near AYRIEL
Field Studies Council Millport
C&C MARINE SERVICES
Just Dive In CIC
Splashsports Services
Scuba Diving Scotland
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