DANIELLE RICHARDS - Scottish West Coast

The *Danielle Richards* isn't a huge wreck, certainly not one of those imposing steel hulks, but we really like it for its character. This 9.4-metre fishing vessel capsized and sank in '96, and it’s now lying upright in about 35 metres of water, quite close to the Rubha nan Gall lighthouse. What we love about it is how accessible it is, even with the depth. You can easily swim the length of it, bow to stern, and the open wheelhouse is particularly inviting for a quick look inside. The wreck itself is wonderfully colonised, a proper metal reef now. Look for the feathery white arms of the hydroids swaying gently in the current, and we always find a few squat lobsters tucked into crevices. Conger eels are often in residence too, peering out from beneath plating. It’s not a wreck that demands multiple dives to understand, but it’s a perfectly serene single dive, especially on a calm day when the visibility stretches to 10 metres or so. It’s a great choice for experienced divers looking for a relaxed, atmospheric dive with a bit of history to it, without the effort of a deep penetration wreck.

Location

Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

55.816578, -6.550939

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

35m

Marine Protected Area: Gruinart Flats, Islay