wreck

Log This Dive

HMS Express

The HMS Express isn’t some tropical sun-drenched wreck. This is classic Pacific Northwest diving, so pull on that drysuit and prepare for an adventure. We love the chill it gives you, descending into the cool, green depths to find a piece of history. This E-class destroyer, lost in 1934, is now a seriously moody dive. We’ve found the bow section often holds the biggest surprises, with huge schools of shiner perch swirling through the superstructure, sometimes so thick you feel like you’re swimming through liquid silver. Keep an eye out for big skates tucked into crevices, their flat bodies almost perfectly camouflaged against the aged metal. The stern section is more broken up, but it's where we've encountered some impressive red rock crabs, all scuttling angles and aggressive claws. Visibility can swing dramatically, from a murky haze to a surprisingly clear 10 metres, especially if you catch it after a few days of calm weather. Our best advice? Go with a local operator who knows the tides – strong currents can make this a challenging dive, but they also bring in the bigger visitors. We’ve seen common seals cruising the perimeter and even heard rumours of orcas passing through, though we haven't been that lucky ourselves. This isn't a dive for casual beginners; it's for those who appreciate history and the raw beauty of cold-water wrecks.