Whitley Bay diver sharing beauty of North East marine life

Emma Millen, from Whitley Bay, only became a qualified diver in 2023 but has already gained a following online under the name The Geordie Shores Diver.

Through her social media videos, she aims to show the rich marine life off the North East coast and encourage more people to try diving for themselves.

Ms Millen, who works for a radio station, said: “I love our coast so much.

“In the last couple of years I’ve got into doing sea dips and getting on a paddle board and being on the water.

“Then I thought, why don’t I go underneath the water. Let’s see what’s down there.”

Her videos have sparked questions about diving and marine life.

She describes discovering seals, shipwrecks, and unusual sea creatures during her dives.

But her diving journey hasn’t always been easy – she suffered a panic attack during one of her exams for the diving qualification.

Emma said: “I felt claustrophobic.

“I felt horrible.

“I had a panic attack and said I’m never doing that again.”

A friend later encouraged her to try a dive at Cullercoats beach, which changed her mind.

Ms Millen said: “I did it and I was like, this is actually amazing.

“It’s like another world out there and I wish more people could see it and that’s why I decided to start documenting it.”

The response to her videos has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers saying she’s inspiring young girls to get into diving.

Ms Millen said: “There aren’t many young girls who get into diving and that’s one thing I’m trying to push on my social media – anyone can do it.”