U 861
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) - U 861 offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.
The U 861, part of Operation Deadlight, rests upright on the seabed at 35 metres. This Type IXD2 U-boat is largely intact, making for a substantial dive. You can trace its conning tower and deck, often swathed in plumose anemones, which are a common sight in these cooler waters. While not a coral reef, the wreck itself is a habitat, attracting cod and wrasse that shelter in the torpedo tubes and along the hull. It’s a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and the quiet solitude of a deep, well-preserved wreck.
Typical U 861 Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Deep dive (35m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced 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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Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for U 861
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