The Farne Islands are a group of around 28 small islands located just off the North East Coast of England.

The variety of underwater life and underwater scenery around the islands is said by many divers to be some of the finest diving in the United Kingdom.

Diving around the islands requires a boat and tidal streams can be strong at times.

Members of Alfreton BSAC have been diving around the Farne Islands for many years now but still visit the area every year.

The Farne Islands are the home to the only colony of grey seals on the East Coast and at times they are very inquisitive and can be seen swimming underwater on many dives.

The Somali was a 6800 tonne passenger/cargo ship built in 1930 for the P&O company. The ship was often used as part of a fleet of ships which ran regular services to the Far East.

In March 1941, the Somali was part of a convoy of 20 ships heading North up the East Coast. She was carrying 9000 tonnes of general cargo including cosmestics, bicycles, horses, toy lead soldiers and mercurey.

On the 27th of March, the convoy came under heavy attack from German bombers and the Somali suffered three direct hits. The Somali sank on 28th March 1941 in 30m of water where she can still be found today.

The Somali is an extremely popular dive and much of the cargo can still be found amongst the wreckage.

Its Not All Diving!

After a hard days diving around the Farne Islands there's just about time for a pint or two or three....!!!!!

The Olde Ship in Seahouses is a great place to unwind and spend a few hours swapping stories of the days events.

Not to mention the odd pint.

55 34.073N
001 36.094W

55 37.897N
001 37.255W

55 38.611N
001 36.301W

55 38.319N
001 37.328W