ALLIANCE II - South Coast

The ALLIANCE II, a fishing vessel that grounded and sank back in '95, is an absolute cracker of a shallow wreck. At just 4m, it’s not going to test your depth limits, but what it lacks in meters, it makes up for in character. We love this site for its accessibility and the sheer amount of detail still visible on the wreck itself. You’re exploring an 18m vessel, so it's a proper swim-through playground. Even with its relatively small size, there's plenty to poke around in, from the wheelhouse remains to the exposed engine room. The stern is our favourite spot, often swarming with pollack and wrasse. They've made this wreck their home, darting between the rusty plates. We'd suggest going on a calm day; visibility here can swing, but when it's good, the light plays beautifully through the superstructure, illuminating the sponges and anemones that have colonised every surface. It's a fantastic site for newer divers getting a feel for wrecks, or photographers keen on long bottom times and natural light.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.547000, -9.074833
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Wreck History - ALLIANCE II

Year Sunk
1995
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

The final hours of the Alliance II fishing vessel unfolded on May 2, 1995, off the southern coast of Ireland. The 18-meter vessel suffered a critical power failure, leaving it helpless against the push of the sea. It was driven ashore, where it grounded and subsequently sank. Its demise was not due to a storm or collision, but a mechanical failure that proved fatal for the ship, though thankfully not its crew.

What makes the Alliance II a unique site is its extreme shallow depth of just 4 meters. It is classified as a wreck with parts of its hull or superstructure visible from the surface, making it an ideal location for not only novice scuba divers but also snorkelers and freedivers. The wreck is likely broken up due to constant exposure to surge and wave action, but its scattered remains create a fascinating underwater landscape. In the clear, sunlit waters, divers can explore the wreckage which has become a bustling habitat for juvenile fish, crabs, and colorful anemones. It's a perfect, low-stress introduction to the world of wreck exploration.

Marine Protected Area: Clonakilty Bay SPA

Best Time to Dive in South Coast

The warmest water temperatures in South Coast occur in January, averaging 8.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.8°C (air: 7.0°C)
  • February: 8.8°C (air: 8.3°C)
  • March: 8.8°C (air: 8.1°C)
  • April: 8.8°C (air: 9.3°C)
  • May: 8.8°C (air: 11.8°C)
  • June: 8.8°C (air: 14.2°C)
  • July: 8.8°C (air: 15.6°C)
  • August: 8.8°C (air: 15.8°C)
  • September: 8.8°C (air: 14.6°C)
  • October: 8.8°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 9.9°C)
  • December: 8.8°C (air: 8.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in South Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to ALLIANCE II

Marine Life in South Coast

Home to 199 recorded species including 97 reef fish, 24 sharks & rays, 14 whales & dolphins, 14 other, 10 crabs & lobsters, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALLIANCE II

Based on average water temperature of 8.8°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 9°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories