IONA I - Scottish West Coast

The Iona I, a steamship that went down in 1862 after a run-in with the SS Chanticleer, sits upright in about 27 metres of water. We love a wreck with a story, and this one certainly has it. What strikes you first is its sheer size, all 68.6 metres of it, lying surprisingly intact given its age. As you descend, the visibility can be a bit hit or miss, typical for the Scottish West Coast, but on a good day, the silhouette of the wreck emerges dramatically from the green gloom. Our favourite part has to be the paddlewheels – they’re immense, covered in dead man’s fingers and anemones, creating a habitat for all sorts of curious critters. Look closely, and you’ll often spot squat lobsters tucked into crevices and ling peeking out from darker sections. Exploring the deck, you can still trace the outline of where the superstructure would have been, now just a framework colonised by plumose anemones that sway gently in the current. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, peering into every nook and cranny. We’d suggest a sturdy torch, not just for illuminating the wreck, but for bringing out the vibrant colours of the invertebrate life. This site is definitely one for experienced wreck divers who appreciate historical context over flash, busy reefs.

Location

Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

55.967934, -4.786567

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

27m

Marine Protected Area: Inner Clyde Estuary