BELFORD - Scottish West Coast

The Belford, a steamship that went down in 1916, sits surprisingly intact at just 6 metres. We love a shallow wreck, especially one with this kind of history, and she’s our pick for anyone exploring the Scottish West Coast. The bow points west, high and proud, covered in plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying with the gentle surge. Visibility can be a bit hit-or-miss here; aim for a calm day after a few days of settled weather, otherwise, it can be a dark dive even at this depth. You can swim over her entire length, a good 99 metres of structure now home to a surprising amount of life. Look for juvenile pollack darting amongst the broken plates, and we often spot velvet swimming crabs scuttling over the bulkheads. The two boilers are particularly impressive, a stark reminder of her working life, and they’ve become great homes for conger eels. It’s a site that really makes you feel the history, a proper piece of maritime heritage that’s accessible to almost any diver.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.823246, -6.462619
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

Wreck History - BELFORD

Year Sunk
1916
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The SS Belford was a steamship built in 1901 in Sunderland. Her career was cut short on February 9, 1916, when she fell victim to the notoriously harsh weather of the Scottish West Coast. While navigating in a fierce blizzard, the vessel ran hard aground and was lost. The crew managed to escape, but the ship itself was abandoned to the sea.

Today, the wreck of the Belford is a fantastic and highly accessible dive. Lying in just 6 meters of water, it is perfect for novice divers, photographers, and those looking for a long, relaxed exploration. The vessel is well broken up, but key features like her two large boilers and the triple-expansion engine are still clearly identifiable. The shallow depth allows for excellent light penetration on a clear day, illuminating the wreckage which has become a thriving artificial reef, teeming with local marine life. It's a superb introduction to wreck diving in a scenic and sheltered location.

Marine Protected Area: Gruinart Flats, Islay

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to BELFORD

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 range for diving at Belford?
The Belford wreck is a relatively shallow dive, with a typical depth of 6 meters. This makes it accessible for divers looking to explore a historical steamship. Its shallow nature contributes to its intermediate difficulty rating.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Belford?
The primary underwater feature at Belford is the impressive steamship wreck itself, measuring 99.1m x 14.3m. Divers can explore its structure, including two boilers and a triple expansion engine. While specific marine life details are not provided for this site, wrecks often attract various species, and you can learn more about general marine life in our wildlife database.
How difficult are the dives at Belford, and is it suitable for beginners?
Dives at the Belford wreck are classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," it may not be suitable for absolute beginners, despite its shallow depth of 6 meters. Divers should have appropriate experience and training for wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at Belford for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Belford. We recommend consulting local dive operators or our general When to Dive guide for the Scottish West Coast to determine the ideal season for visibility and currents.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Belford?
While the data doesn't explicitly list specific certification requirements for Belford, its classification as an intermediate and "Dangerous wreck" dive suggests that advanced open water or wreck diving certifications would be highly recommended. Divers should possess the necessary skills and experience for navigating wreck environments. Always ensure your equipment and training are appropriate for the dive.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Belford dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical currents or water conditions at the Belford dive site. Divers planning to visit the Scottish West Coast should consult local dive centers for up-to-date conditions and forecasts to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.