BIG CAT - South Coast

The Big Cat, just outside Valentia Harbour, isn’t about huge pelagics, it’s about history and how the sea reclaims things. We love it because it’s a proper Irish wreck, sunk in bad weather back in '89. This isn't a pristine, intact vessel; she's broken up, scattered across the seabed, which for us, makes it even more interesting. You get a sense of the struggle she had. Diving the Big Cat means navigating these distributed remains, discovering sections of hull, machinery, and twisted metal that are now home to a surprising amount of life. We've seen conger eels tucked into crevices, plenty of wrasse darting between the plates, and often, dogfish resting on the sand nearby. It’s a site that suits divers who appreciate exploring a dynamic, evolving wreck and enjoy piecing together a story from the scattered fragments. For us, the best time to dive it is on a calm day with good visibility, when the light penetrates the green water and really brings the wreck to life.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.937000, -10.317166
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - BIG CAT

Year Sunk
1989
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
108 GRT

The Big Cat was a 24-meter fishing vessel, a modern workboat typical of those found along the Irish coast in the late 20th century. These sturdy vessels are designed to handle the often-unforgiving waters of the North Atlantic, but even the most capable ships can fall victim to the ocean's power.

On January 13, 1989, the Big Cat's luck ran out. The vessel was attempting to enter Valentia Harbour on Ireland's rugged South Coast when it was caught in severe weather. Battered by high winds and heavy seas, the crew got into difficulties at the harbour entrance. The storm proved too powerful, driving the vessel aground where it was broken apart by the relentless waves.

Lying at a depth of 0 meters, the remains of the Big Cat are scattered and broken, a testament to the storm's fury. This shallow site is accessible for snorkelers and divers, offering a chance to explore the distributed wreckage. The twisted metal and machinery now form a micro-habitat for the area's marine life. Divers can expect to find conger eels, crabs, and lobsters making their homes among the debris, while schools of wrasse patrol the site, turning a modern tragedy into a lively part of the coastal ecosystem.

Marine Protected Area: Valencia Harbour/Portmagee Channel 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 BIG CAT

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 BIG CAT

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