CARLO (PROBABLY) - South Coast

The Carlo, probably, sits deep off the South Coast of Ireland, a proper challenge for any technical diver. At 53 metres, it’s not a casual afternoon dip, but for those with the training, it offers a real piece of history. This steamship met its end in 1917, torpedoed by a German submarine, and that story still feels palpable as you descend. What we love about the Carlo is its remarkable integrity, considering its age and how it went down. The bow section is particularly captivating, often shrouded in that moody Atlantic green, with schools of pollack moving through the structure. We’ve seen conger eels that look like they've been residents since the sinking, along with hefty lobsters tucked into every crevice. Our favourite approach is to drop onto the stern first, taking in the scale, then working our way forward, letting the history slowly unfold. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble here, classic Irish diving, but when it’s good, the sheer volume of metal and the way the light filters through the superstructure is something else. It’s a site that demands respect and careful planning, but it truly rewards the effort.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.000500, -6.734600
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
53m

Wreck History - CARLO (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1917
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
3,040 GRT

The S.S. Carlo was a British steam-powered cargo ship caught in the crosshairs of history during World War I. In November 1917, while on a voyage from Huelva, Spain, to Liverpool with a valuable cargo of copper ore, she was navigating the treacherous waters off the southern coast of Ireland. This area was a hunting ground for German U-boats conducting unrestricted submarine warfare. On November 13th, the Carlo was spotted by the submarine U-97 and struck by a torpedo. The ship sank quickly, becoming another maritime casualty of the Great War.

Resting at a depth of 53 meters, the wreck of the Carlo is now a challenging site reserved for experienced technical divers. The cold, deep waters of the Atlantic have preserved the vessel, which sits upright on the seabed. Exploring a WWI wreck like this is like diving into a time capsule. Divers who make the descent are rewarded with the sight of a largely intact structure, its silhouette emerging from the deep blue, a silent monument to its final, fateful voyage.

Marine Protected Area: Saltee Islands SPA

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 CARLO (PROBABLY)

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 CARLO (PROBABLY)

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