JOAN PATRICIA - South Coast

The Joan Patricia is a cracking little wreck, and we always enjoy a visit when we’re on the South Coast. It’s a fishing vessel, went down in '83 after fouling her propeller on the Stags, a real shame. At just 18.5 metres long, it’s a compact dive, sitting upright in about 20 metres of water. We think it’s perfect for a solid hour of exploration without needing to rush. What makes it special for us is how much character she still holds. You can clearly make out the stern and bow, and the wheelhouse is still largely intact. We love finning through the open cargo hold, imagining the catch she might have held. Look closely at the deck plating and superstructure; it’s covered in jewel anemones and dead man's fingers, a real splash of colour against the rusted steel. Conger eels are often tucked into any crevice you can find, and we’ve spotted a few inquisitive cuckoo wrasse darting in and out of the wreckage. It’s a brilliant site for those who appreciate maritime history and enjoy a wreck that’s been thoroughly colonised by marine life, rather than just a pile of debris.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.467167, -9.221334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

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 JOAN PATRICIA

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 JOAN PATRICIA

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