The M2 is one of the top ‘must do’ dive sites around Portland Bill. This 90m long British submarine was retrofitted as an experimental ‘submarine aircraft carrier’ after the First World war and was actually fitted with a small seaplane hangar just forward of the conning tower.
Tragically the M2 sank just off Portland in 1932 during routine exercises with the loss of all 60 crew members. The sub lies in 35 metres of water and sits upright with the highest part of the conning tower reaching 7 metres off the seabed.
Dive info
| Position WSG 84 | 50.34.56N 02.33.85W |
| Transit from Ferrybridge | 13 miles around the Bill. |
| Depth | Scour 35m, Hull 32m, Periscope 28m |
| Orientation | Bows NW – stern SE |
| Slack | 4-2 hrs before HW Portland (neaps only) <1kts 3-4 hrs after HW Portland |
| Hazards | Fishing line around conning tower. Silt in the hangar. Exposed site to SW winds. |
| Condition | Intact wreck, upright on coarse sand. |
| Restrictions | Classified as a war grave – no penetration |
| Highlights | Intact submarine. Large shoals of Bib, Pollack and Conger eels in the torpedo tubes. |
| Recommendations | This is a perfect wreck for 32% Nitrox. Can get busy on a weekend. |
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Further info
Disclaimer |
Please note that Newbury Scuba Diving Club cannot be held responsible for any incorrect data relating to these dive sites. Every diver/dive manager is responsible for checking the accuracy of the data themselves prior to commencing their own diving activity by using appropriate charts, tidal flow information and other approved reference materials. |
