HELENA FAULBAUMS - Scottish West Coast

The *Helena Faulbaums* is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to on the Scottish West Coast. It’s deep, around 55 metres, so definitely one for the experienced trimix divers. She’s a decent size, 85 metres long, and lies perfectly upright on a silty seabed, which is always a bonus. What we really love about the *Helena* is how intact she still is. You can drop down onto the stern, which has a nice intact prop, and then work your way forward. The visibility here can be superb on a good day, 20 metres isn't unheard of, and when it is, you get a real sense of her scale as she emerges from the gloom. We often find conger eels tucked into her holds, and the bridge area is usually swarming with juvenile saithe, flickering in the torchlight. Our favourite part is exploring the engine room, if you’ve got the skills and the gas, it's a fantastic penetration. You can still see the boilers and the triple-expansion engine, all heavily encrusted with dead man's fingers and anemones now. It’s a proper expedition dive, a real journey into maritime history, and a stark reminder of the wild nature of these waters.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.254750, -5.696533
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Firth of Lorn

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to HELENA FAULBAUMS

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 maximum depth of the Helena Faulbaums dive site?
The Helena Faulbaums dive site reaches a maximum depth of 55 meters. This makes it a significant deep dive, suitable for divers with appropriate training and experience.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the Helena Faulbaums?
Divers exploring the Helena Faulbaums can expect to encounter the impressive features of this 85.3m x 12.8m steam ship vessel. Key components include two boilers, a triple expansion engine, and a single shaft, all part of its 1920 build. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks of this nature often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting various local species.
How challenging is diving the Helena Faulbaums wreck, and what level of experience is required?
Diving the Helena Faulbaums is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This indicates that divers should possess a good level of experience and comfort with deeper wreck diving. It's recommended to have advanced certifications and experience with similar conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive the Helena Faulbaums for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Helena Faulbaums for optimal conditions. Divers interested in seasonal variations and general advice for planning their trips can explore our When to Dive section for broader guidance.
What specific diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the Helena Faulbaums?
Given the Helena Faulbaums' maximum depth of 55 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should hold appropriate deep diving certifications. This typically includes advanced open water and deep diver specialties, and potentially technical diving qualifications, to safely explore this impressive wreck.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Helena Faulbaums dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current and visibility conditions at the Helena Faulbaums dive site. Divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date reports on these environmental factors before planning their dive.