wreck

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HMS BONIFACE

The HMS Boniface, a 108-meter liner requisitioned for government use, sits at 52 meters in the cold, clear waters off Scotland’s west coast. She went down in 1917, and time has been kind, though the strong currents that sometimes sweep through here have helped keep her well-scoured. We love a deep wreck, and this one delivers that satisfying sense of historical exploration. Descending onto the Boniface, you’re greeted by the sheer scale of her. Her two boilers and triple-expansion engine are still very much in evidence, drawing you into the guts of the vessel. We’ve found the stern section particularly engaging, with the massive propeller still largely intact – a real photographic opportunity if the visibility is playing ball. Look closely at the superstructure and you’ll find it cloaked in plumose anemones, their white tentacles waving gently in the surge. Ling and conger eels are often spotted lurking in the shadowy nooks and crannies, and it’s not uncommon to see a huge shoal of saithe circling the mast structure, creating a living curtain that momentarily blocks out the ambient light. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, those comfortable with deep stops and the occasional strong current. Our advice? Pick your slack water window carefully; it makes all the difference.