GAFSA - South Coast

The Gafsa, an Admiralty oiler sunk in 1917, now lies scattered across the seabed at a shallow five metres. You won't find a fully intact vessel here, but rather a fascinating debris field of her former self: plates, beams, and machinery spread out like a forgotten puzzle. It’s a site for exploring the history rather than penetrating a hull. The exposed structure has become home to plenty of local critters, with wrasse darting between the metal and crabs scuttling amongst the pieces. It’s an easy, relaxed dive, ideal for those who enjoy pottering around a historical wreck without the depth.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.539780, -8.958445
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Clonakilty Bay 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 GAFSA

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 GAFSA

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

How deep is Lac de Gafsa for scuba diving?
The Gafsa wreck, located off the South Coast of Ireland, is found at a shallow depth of 5 meters. This makes it an accessible site for divers exploring the distributed remains of this historic tanker vessel.
What can divers expect to see underwater in Lac de Gafsa, and what is the visibility like?
Divers exploring the Gafsa wreck can expect to see the distributed remains of a 106.7m x 15.2m tanker vessel, sunk in 1917. This historic Admiralty Oiler, originally built in 1902, features remnants of its four boilers, triple expansion engine, and a 12 PDR stern gun. Information regarding typical visibility conditions for this specific site is not provided in the available data.
Is diving in Lac de Gafsa considered difficult or suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at the Gafsa wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty. This means it is generally suitable for divers who have some experience beyond basic certification and are comfortable with various dive conditions. While not recommended for absolute beginners, experienced recreational divers should find it manageable.
What's the best time of year to go scuba diving in Lac de Gafsa?
Specific information regarding the best time of year to dive the Gafsa wreck is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on diving seasons in Ireland, we recommend consulting our When to Dive section for broader regional insights.
Do I need special certifications or experience to dive in Lac de Gafsa?
Given that the Gafsa wreck is rated as an intermediate dive, divers should possess at least an Open Water certification with some practical experience. While specific advanced certifications aren't explicitly required by the data, comfort with wreck diving and potentially colder water conditions typical of Ireland is advisable.
What are the water conditions and any safety concerns, like radioactivity, for diving in Lac de Gafsa?
The provided data for the Gafsa wreck does not include details on specific water conditions such as temperature or currents, nor does it mention any safety concerns like radioactivity. As with any dive, it is crucial to check current local conditions and consult with local dive operators before planning your dive.