GRATITUDE - Scottish West Coast

The Gratitude, tucked away on the Scottish West Coast, isn’t some grand liner, but that’s precisely why we love it. This small fishing vessel, just shy of 11 metres, went aground in near-gale conditions back in ‘89. Now she sits upright, proud, and surprisingly intact at 32 metres, making for a truly engaging dive. You’ll find her mast still standing, reaching upwards, and the wheelhouse, though a bit battered, is still recognisable. It’s a proper rummage dive, perfect for a buddy team to explore without feeling overwhelmed. We’ve spent many a decompression stop recounting the tiny details we’ve spotted inside. What really sells the Gratitude for us is the life she’s attracted. The hull is absolutely coated in plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying with the current, like a furry blanket. Keep an eye out for velvet swimming crabs scuttling around the decking – they’re always a lively sight. This isn’t a dive for pelagic hunters, it’s for those who appreciate the quiet beauty of an artificial reef, who like to spend time really looking. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss, as is tradition in these parts, but on a good day, when the sun pierces through, the green water takes on an almost ethereal glow around the wreck. Dive it on a slack tide for the easiest exploration; the currents here can be surprisingly brisk.

Location

Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

55.466637, -5.517741

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

32m

Marine Protected Area: Drumadoon - Tormore