Wreck of Dredger No. 285

Protected Area

Sanda Islands

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) - Wreck of Dredger No. 285 offers some of Scottish West Coast's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 112+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Dredger No. 285 is one of those wrecks that just demands a second dive, maybe even a third. We always feel a bit of a chill when we descend onto it, a real sense of history clinging to the cold steel. You’ll find her resting on her starboard side, relatively intact, giving you plenty of structure to navigate. Our favourite part is poking around the engine room, which is still quite open; the machinery is ghostly, covered in anemones and dead man’s fingers. It’s a fantastic site for photographers, especially when the light filters down through the kelp forest that starts just above the wreck. We often see plumose anemones carpeting sections, along with plenty of wrasse darting between the plates. Look out for the resident conger eels, they’re usually tucked away in the darker corners. This dive is brilliant for anyone with a bit of wreck experience, those who appreciate a tangible piece of the past rather than just a jumble of metal. Just be mindful of the often-present current; a slack tide dive will give you the most relaxed exploration time.