UDEA (PROBABLY) - Scottish West Coast

The Udea (probably) is one of those West Coast wrecks we still talk about over a dram. She’s a grand old dame, sunk back in 1894, and while she's down at 58 metres, her shallower parts still give you plenty to explore without pushing the limits too hard. We love the way she sits upright, her single boiler a distinctive landmark, often cloaked in plumose anemones that shimmer in your torch beam. Diving her, you get a real sense of history. Her decks are long gone, but the iron frames still define her shape, creating fantastic swim-throughs where cod and pollock often lurk. Our favourite bit is nosing around the engine room, imagining the machinery B that once propelled her. It’s a deep dive, yes, but for experienced cold-water wreckies, the Udea offers a rewarding glimpse into a bygone era, with visibility often surprisingly good, especially on a neap tide. Just be ready for the chill, even in summer.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.675316, -5.798167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
58m

Marine Protected Area: Sound of Gigha

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to UDEA (PROBABLY)

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 is the typical depth range for diving the Udea shipwreck in the Kintyre & Gigha area of Scotland?
The Udea shipwreck, located off the Scottish West Coast, rests at a depth of 58 meters. This makes it a deep dive, suitable for experienced divers comfortable with such depths.
What kind of marine life and specific wreck features can divers expect to see at the Udea dive site?
The Udea is a steam ship vessel, built in 1873 and sunk in 1894, measuring 33.7m x 5.5m. Divers can expect to explore its structure, including a single boiler and a compound expansion engine of 30 NHP. While specific marine life details are not provided in our current data, wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species; you can learn more about general marine life in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving the Udea shipwreck, considering the strong tides and its offshore location?
Diving the Udea shipwreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This classification suggests it requires divers to have a good level of experience and comfort with deeper wreck diving environments.
What is the best time of year or tidal conditions to dive the Udea shipwreck for optimal visibility and safety?
Unfortunately, our current data context for the Udea shipwreck does not specify the best time of year or optimal tidal conditions for diving. For general guidance on planning your dives, you might find our When to Dive section helpful.
What scuba diving certifications are typically recommended or required to dive the Udea shipwreck?
Given the Udea shipwreck's depth of 58 meters and its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive, advanced certifications such as PADI Deep Diver, TDI Advanced Nitrox, or equivalent technical diving certifications are typically recommended or required. These ensure divers have the necessary training and experience for deep wreck environments.
What are the prevailing current strengths and typical underwater visibility that divers can expect when exploring the Udea wreck?
Our current data context for the Udea wreck does not include specific details on prevailing current strengths or typical underwater visibility. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions.