SS Abessinia

Also known as: Abessinia, SS Abyssinia

At 7,717 tons, the Hamburg America Line's Abessinia holds the distinction of being the largest ship ever wrecked on the Farne Islands — a title that gives some idea of the scale of wreckage awaiting divers on the Knivestone reef. She ran onto the rocks in September 1921 on her way home from Chile, and the reef has been digesting her ever since. Her boiler stands clear of the surrounding jumble at 18 metres as the main reference point, while the bow section — complete with anchor and chain — has slid down to the western side of the reef. Gullies criss-crossing the rock are stuffed with additional wreckage that rewards careful exploration. What makes Knivestone special is the wildlife: the Farne Islands' famous grey seals treat diving visitors as entertainment, spiralling around you mid-dive with unnerving confidence. The rocks only show at low-water springs, so the reef's location is a navigational challenge in itself.