REGINA - Scottish West Coast

The Regina. Now here’s a wreck we really appreciate. She sits upright at 52 metres, a general cargo motor vessel that went down in 1971, pretty much intact. Dropping down onto her bridge structure, you get a real sense of her scale. We’ve always found the engine room particularly captivating, accessible through open hatches, and the way light plays through the superstructure on a clear day is just something else. It’s a deep dive, no doubt, so suitable for experienced technical divers who are comfortable with the colder Scottish water and potential for limited visibility. But for those who make the journey, the Regina delivers. The wreck itself is heavily encrusted with soft corals, dead man's fingers, and anemones, providing shelter for all sorts of critters. We often spot conger eels in the deeper sections and large wrasse patrolling the decks. The sheer volume of life that’s made her home is impressive, transforming a sunken vessel into a thriving artificial reef. Our favourite time to dive her is early autumn; the water can be a touch clearer, and the light penetration often better, really bringing out the colours of the encrusting life. Just remember, it’s Scotland, so always be prepared for chilly conditions.

Location

Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

55.836292, -6.837565

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

52m

Marine Protected Area: Gruinart Flats, Islay