HAZAEL 3 - South Coast

Hazael 3, tucked into Slade Bay, isn't your deep-sea expedition. At a maximum of 2 metres, it’s actually a cracking shore dive, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. The fishing vessel caught fire back in '68 and was beached, still burning, which gives it a real sense of drama even today. We love how the hull is spread out, a skeletal remains against the sandy bottom. You can follow the lines of the old deck, spotting the twisted metal that was once part of the engine room. It’s been down there long enough for the sea to reclaim it, so expect to see plenty of wrasse darting through the rusted plates and blennies peeking out of every crevice. We’d suggest going at high tide; the extra water makes navigating the remains a bit easier and the light penetrates beautifully, picking out the green and brown algae that now carpets the wreck. It’s a site for those who appreciate history and the slow, quiet reclamation of nature, without the need for big depths.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.133750, -6.907778
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 HAZAEL 3

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 HAZAEL 3

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