BA 319 - Scottish West Coast

The BA 319 isn't about depth, that's for sure. At a mere 1 meter, this fishing vessel wreck is a snorkel or very shallow dive, and we love it for its accessibility and sheer character. Lying just off the shore, often visible from the surface, she's surprisingly intact, with her wooden ribs reaching towards the sun like skeletal fingers. Sunlight dapples through the water, illuminating patches of anemones and small crabs scuttling amongst the timbers. Our favourite time to visit is just before high tide, when the water is at its clearest, revealing the barnacle-encrusted hull and the gentle sway of kelp fronds draped over the bow. It’s a quiet, reflective spot, perfect for photographers or anyone wanting to spend an hour exploring a piece of history without needing a full dive setup. You'll likely see blennies peering from crevices and small schools of juvenile pollack darting through the superstructure. It's a gentle introduction to wreck diving, no strong currents to worry about, just the subtle shift of the tide.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.108400, -4.905467
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Wreck History - BA 319

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

Lying in the shallows off the rugged Scottish West Coast, the wreck known only by its registration number, BA 319, offers a glimpse into the unforgiving nature of the sea. The history of this small fishing vessel and the story of its sinking have been lost to time, leaving only its skeletal remains as a testament to its final voyage. At a mere one meter deep, parts of its hull and superstructure break the surface at low tide, making it an incredibly accessible site for snorkelers, kayakers, and novice divers.

Exploring BA 319 is less about penetrating a large vessel and more about observing how nature reclaims man-made structures. The wreckage has become an artificial reef, providing a home for crabs, small fish, and various macro life that thrive in the nutrient-rich Scottish waters. It serves as a poignant and picturesque feature of the coastline, a silent memorial to the local fishing heritage.

Marine Protected Area: Upper Loch Fyne and Loch Goil

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to BA 319

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