ALLIANCE II

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Clonakilty Bay SPA

Why dive here

With 185+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - ALLIANCE II offers some of South Coast's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 9°C.

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 185+ species recorded

Water9°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 4m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

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.

Typical ALLIANCE II Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Cold water this month (avg 9°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Today04:3718:4314h 6m daylightGolden hour 17:57

ALLIANCE II Wreck History

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.