MOUNTAIN LAUREL (POSSIBLY) - Scottish West Coast

The Mountain Laurel is one of those deeper West Coast wrecks we really love. She’s an iron sailing vessel, sitting upright, and remarkably intact considering she was scuttled by a U-boat back in 1918. Dropping down, you’ll often find the visibility surprisingly good, sometimes pushing 15 metres, which really lets you appreciate her full length, all 53 metres of her. We usually start our exploration around the stern, where the rudder and propeller are still clearly defined, then work our way forward along the deck. The hull plates are draped in dead man's fingers and colourful jewel anemones, with conger eels peering from every dark recess. It’s a proper historical dive, a real journey back in time, and while her depth at 60 metres means this is one for the technical divers, the rewards are absolutely worth the effort. There’s something special about seeing a wreck from this era so well preserved, a silent testament to a bygone age.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.312800, -6.895219
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: Magilligan Point

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to MOUNTAIN LAUREL (POSSIBLY)

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 are the typical depths for scuba diving at Laurel River Lake?
The data provided pertains to the MOUNTAIN LAUREL (POSSIBLY) wreck, located off the Scottish West Coast, not Laurel River Lake. Diving at the MOUNTAIN LAUREL wreck typically involves depths of 60 meters. This deep wreck offers a challenging dive experience for those appropriately certified.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Laurel River Lake?
Information regarding marine life at Laurel River Lake is not available in the provided data. However, for the MOUNTAIN LAUREL (POSSIBLY) wreck, divers can explore a significant underwater feature: an iron-built sailing vessel measuring 53.2m x 9.2m, which sank in 1918. This historical wreck, classified as non-dangerous, serves as the main point of interest at this Scottish West Coast dive site.
How difficult is diving at Laurel River Lake, and is it suitable for beginners?
The provided data indicates that diving at the MOUNTAIN LAUREL (POSSIBLY) wreck, not Laurel River Lake, is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests the dive site is generally not suitable for absolute beginners and requires divers to have a good level of experience and appropriate training for deep wreck diving.
When is the best time of year to plan a dive trip to Laurel River Lake for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not contain information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Laurel River Lake. Similarly, specific seasonal recommendations for the MOUNTAIN LAUREL (POSSIBLY) wreck are not available in the context provided. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Laurel River Lake?
While specific certification requirements for Laurel River Lake are not provided, diving the MOUNTAIN LAUREL (POSSIBLY) wreck, with its 60-meter depth and intermediate difficulty, would typically require advanced certifications. Divers should possess qualifications such as a PADI Deep Diver Specialty or equivalent technical diving certifications to safely explore this deep wreck off the Scottish West Coast.
What are the typical water conditions, visibility, and currents like at Laurel River Lake?
The provided data does not include details on typical water conditions, visibility, or currents for Laurel River Lake. Information regarding these environmental factors for the MOUNTAIN LAUREL (POSSIBLY) wreck is also not available in the given context. Divers should always check local conditions before planning a dive.