HMS RACOON
Protected Area
Magilligan Point
Why dive here
With 112+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - HMS RACOON offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The HMS Racoon is a proper wreck, not just a pile of scrap. We love a site with a story, and this one, sunk in a snowstorm in 1918 with all hands lost, certainly delivers. Lying at a comfortable 20m, it’s remarkably intact, especially the stern where you can still make out the stern gun and propeller shaft. The bow section is more broken, but the ship’s length, over 80 metres, means there’s plenty to explore. Visibility can be a bit hit or miss, typical for the Scottish West Coast, but on a good day, the Racoon is atmospheric. We’d suggest a slack water dive for the best experience; currents here can be a bit frisky. Look out for the resident conger eels, they're not shy, and the metalwork is covered in plumose anemones, giving it a soft, feathery texture in the current. It’s a dive that suits experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a challenge.
Typical HMS RACOON Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
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