Scuba Diving Wrecks Locations

CORNWALL

The wreck of St. Chamond St Ives

This onetime French steamship lies at 27m of water having been torpedoed in WW1. It was carrying supplies including five railway trains that are still on the seabed providing a fascinating snapshot of this stage of the conflict. DEVON

The James Eagan Layne

One of the UK's most popular dive destinations, The James Eagan Layne is a 7,176-tonne and 441 feet long American liberty ship which lies in Whitsand Bay in 21m. Sunk by U-boat torpedo in March 1945, she was carrying a cargo of tank parts, jeeps, lorries, wagon wheels and various other items. The wreck is home to a huge variety of marine life and it is possible to swim through many areas of the vessel without much danger or need for special training. DORSET

The Black Hawk

Lying in Dorset's Lulworth Cove region, the wreck of the Black Hawk is popular with novices but still holds interest for more experienced divers. She lies at a depth of 16m with bollards, metal overhangs, swim-throughs and angular holes all offering great photographic potential. The Black Hawk is also known as the ship that refused to sink. It was original torpedoed off Portland Bill in 1944 with much of her stern sinking at this point. But the rest of her refused to sink so she was towed and run aground in Worbarrow Bay. By early 1945 she was only partially submerged and remained a navigational hazard until she was subsequently blown up twice! She now lies within Purbeck marine Wildlife Reserve and a skipper with good local knowledge is needed. HAMPSHIRE

The Camberwell

A 4,078-tonned, fully armed merchantman which was en route from London to Colombo when it struck a contact mine in 1917. Today she sits on a silty, sandy bed at 29m. This is a huge wreck that will need numerous visits to fully explore her. Beware though, due to the low visibility it is possible to inadvertently swim into her interior. Be sure to bring a torch! SUSSEX

Seaford Beach and Newhaven Arm/ Gully

Good shore dives that are only 8-10m deep so they are suitable for beginners. One cautionary note: do not attempt to dive in south winds. THE NORTH

The Somali - the Farnes

Considered among UK dive enthusiasts to be the UK's finest seal dive destinations, however the Farne Islands are also noted for their fine wrecks. The best time to dive this wreck is on a neap tide at low slack water. This occurs at about one, to one and half-hours after low tide at Seahouses. The Somali sank in 1941 after being bombed near Beadnell Point. She now lies upright in 28m of water with most of her 137m hull still intact. The Somali was carrying general cargo including gas masks, ammunition, guns and batteries; all of which are clearly visible. The boilers are also still intact while the seabed in front of the wreck is smothered in a number of small jars containing handcream, reels of film and fire extinguisher hand-pumps.

NORTHEAST

The Oslofjord

The North East of England coastline boasts more wrecks per square mile than any other area. It also promises divers numerous walls and reefs covered in an abundance of marine life. Among the many wrecks is the huge Oslofjord. A 177m long luxury liner it lies at 15m.

SCOTLAND

Pettico Wick

A sheltered bay facing Northwest on the other side of St. Abbs Head. Head for a wall that is marked out by a low rock called Wick Gaut. The wall of Wick Gaut has a strata which rises at 45 degrees and forms narrow ledges which are inhabited by squat lobsters, sea urchins and gobies. Dean Man's Fingers cover the vertical part of the wall.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Belfast Lough

Often referred to as the Scapa Flow of Northern Island due to the high number of wrecks, some of which date back 100 years. Discoveries are still being made with the bell of one major liner, The Tiberia, only discovered very recently. The wreck dives vary in difficulty with sites to suit all abilities. Visibility ranges from 3 to 10 metres and depth range from 10m to 60m.

IRELAND

Roaring Water Bay

Lying between Baltimore to the southeast and Crookhaven to the west this region boasts the Carbery 100 Islands which promise varied sites and sheltered diving.

INLAND SITES

Leybourne Lake Watersports Centre, near Larkfield, Kent

Numerous items like cars, a cabin cruiser, a speedboat etc., have been dumped in the lake for the benefit of divers. There is also a memorial to Jacques Cousteau on the lakebed