ANTONY - South Coast

The Antony is one of those deep wrecks off the South Coast that really gets our attention. We’re talking about a proper steamer, 127 metres of history sitting at 53 metres. Dropping down, even on a day with decent visibility, you feel the depth, the slight chill that tells you this isn't a casual drift. We love feeling that scale, the superstructure looming into view, a dark shape becoming something immense. What makes the Antony special for us is its sheer size and how much of it is still identifiable. You can trace the bow, move along the deck, imagine the two triple-expansion engines and five boilers within her guts. We’ve found the stern holds are often buzzing with conger eels – big, inquisitive heads poking out from the shadows. The currents here can be stiff, so pick your slack carefully. Best to get a local skipper who knows the tides inside out. It's a dive for experienced deep divers, no question, but for those who love a serious wreck, the Antony is an absolute classic. The sense of history, the sheer bulk of steel on the seabed, it’s a powerful experience.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.001793, -7.005033
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Wreck History - ANTONY

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
passenger ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
6,446 GRT

The SS Antony was a handsome passenger and cargo liner built in 1907 for the renowned Booth Steamship Company. For a decade, she plied the vital trade route between Liverpool and South America, carrying passengers and goods on long voyages to ports in Brazil and as far inland as Iquitos, Peru, over 2,000 miles up the Amazon River. She was a vital link in a global network, known for her reliability and service.

Her peaceful career was cut short by the escalating conflict of World War I. On March 17, 1917, while outbound from Liverpool, the Antony was torpedoed without warning by the German submarine U-62. The attack occurred just 19 nautical miles from the Coningbeg Lightship off the Irish coast. The explosion was devastating, and the ship sank with the tragic loss of 55 lives, a stark reminder of the U-boat menace in the Atlantic.

Today, the wreck of the SS Antony lies in over 50 metres of water, making her a serious and rewarding dive for experienced technical divers. The vessel is a substantial size, and while time and the sea have taken their toll, her large boilers and triple-expansion engines are still recognisable features. Exploring this deep wreck is a journey back in time, offering a poignant connection to a lost era of ocean travel and a tribute to those who perished in the Great War.

Marine Protected Area: Hook 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 ANTONY

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 ANTONY

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