ANNE SOPHIE - South Coast

The *Anne Sophie* isn't your typical deep wreck, and that's precisely why we love it. This 30-meter fishing vessel went aground on the rocks southwest of Mine Head in 1984, the crew airlifted to safety. Now, she lies very shallow, almost entirely exposed to the elements, yet still holds so much character. We’d suggest hitting this site at low tide on a calm day; the visibility can be spectacular then, allowing you to really appreciate how the sea has twisted and torn the metal. What’s left of the hull is completely encrusted in colourful anemones and dead man's fingers. You'll see blennies darting into every crevice and crabs scuttling across the seabed next to the broken superstructure. It's a fantastic site for photographers, especially macro enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys seeing a wreck slowly reclaimed by nature, right on the shoreline.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.972557, -7.667500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - ANNE SOPHIE

Year Sunk
1984
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

In the harsh weather of January 1984, the 30-metre fishing vessel Anne Sophie fell victim to a combination of navigational errors and unforgiving conditions. The ship went hard aground on the rocks southwest of Mine Head, near Dungarvan on Ireland's south coast. The situation was perilous, but a dramatic helicopter rescue successfully airlifted the entire crew to safety, leaving the vessel to be battered by the relentless waves.

Lying at a depth of 0 metres, the Anne Sophie is not a traditional wreck dive but a fascinating scatter site. The powerful surge and currents of the Irish coast have broken the vessel apart, spreading her remains across the shallow, rocky seabed. This makes for an excellent snorkel or a very shallow dive, especially for underwater photographers. Divers can explore the debris field, discovering pieces of the hull, machinery, and fishing gear reclaimed by the vibrant local marine life in the high-energy coastal zone.

Marine Protected Area: Ardmore Head SAC

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 ANNE SOPHIE

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 ANNE SOPHIE

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