Wreck of Blink Bonnie - Scottish West Coast

The Blink Bonnie. Now there’s a proper Scottish wreck for you. We love this old cargo steamer, not just for its history – sunk by a U-boat in 1917 – but for how it’s become part of the seabed. She sits upright, pretty much intact, and quite photogenic. Drop down and you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of it, the bow section still commanding, stretching out into the gloom. We’ve had dives here where the visibility is twenty metres, and others where it’s a proper west coast experience, low-vis and atmospheric. Either way, the penetration opportunities are fantastic if you’re properly trained and equipped; engine room, cargo holds, all still there to poke around. Our favourite spot is usually around the stern, where the prop shaft is often surrounded by shoals of saithe and pollack, flickering in the torch beams. The superstructure is covered in dead man’s fingers and plumose anemones, soft corals clinging to every surface, swaying gently with the surge. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, taking in the small details – a porthole still in place, a winch gear overgrown with life. You'll want to dive this at slack water, obviously, but even then, expect a bit of a push, the currents can be lively. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of chill, definitely one for experienced cold-water wreckies.

Location

Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

55.324875, -5.564626

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Sanda Islands