ASIAN - South Coast

The ASIAN wreck, off Ireland’s South Coast, sits shallow at just 10 metres, making it surprisingly accessible given its history. This 128-metre steamship, an ex-COLUMBIAN, went down in 1924 and is now well-broken, but still very much a wreck, not just a debris field. You’ll find two large boilers, an engine, and plenty of plates, all home to the usual suspects: conger eels tucked into crevices, dogfish often resting on the sand nearby, and plenty of crabs scuttling over the metalwork. We’ve found the stern section particularly interesting, with some scattered cargo still evident if you look closely. It's a solid dive for those who enjoy exploring a piece of maritime history without the need for deep technical skills.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.465780, -9.227167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Lough Hyne Nature Reserve and Environs 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 ASIAN

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 ASIAN

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical dive depths at ASIAN, and are there options for both shallow reef dives and deeper explorations?
The typical dive depth at the ASIAN wreck site is 10m. As this is specifically a wreck dive, the site focuses on exploring the remains of the steam ship vessel. There are no indications of shallow reef dives or deeper explorations at this particular site based on the available information.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can I expect to encounter when diving at ASIAN?
When diving at the ASIAN, you can expect to encounter the impressive underwater topography of a steam ship vessel, measuring 128.3m x 14.9m. This historic wreck, sunk in 1924, features two boilers and a triple expansion engine, offering a fascinating structure to explore. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various local species, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites at ASIAN, and is it suitable for beginner, intermediate, or advanced divers?
The dive site at ASIAN is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its classification as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should possess the necessary experience and training to safely navigate its features. This site is best suited for divers who have moved beyond beginner level and are comfortable with wreck diving environments.
What is the best time of year to dive at ASIAN for optimal weather, visibility, and marine life sightings?
Specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal weather, visibility, and marine life sightings at the ASIAN wreck is not provided in the current data. For general guidance on diving conditions in the Ireland region, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended to dive safely and fully experience ASIAN's dive sites?
To safely and fully experience the ASIAN wreck, which is classified as an intermediate and "Dangerous wreck" site, certifications beyond basic Open Water are highly recommended. An Advanced Open Water certification, or even a specialized Wreck Diver certification, would provide the essential skills and knowledge for navigating this historic steam ship vessel. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for wreck diving.
What are the typical current conditions and underwater visibility like at ASIAN, and how do they vary?
The provided data does not include specific information on the typical current conditions or underwater visibility at the ASIAN dive site. Divers planning to visit this South Coast, Ireland wreck should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions.