wreck

Log This Dive

MICHAEL

The Michael, grounded in Tramore Bay since a fierce gale in ‘75, offers a surprisingly intimate wreck dive. It’s a shallow affair, maxing out at two metres, which makes it perfect for a long, relaxed exploration, especially for newer divers getting their fins wet on something with a bit of history. We’ve spent hours here, just drifting over the hull, spotting the resident wrasse darting between the plates and feeling the slight tug of the surge against our suits. You’re essentially swimming over a skeletal framework. The wreck lies broken on the sandy bottom, the bow and stern sections distinct, with a good chunk of the midships opened up. We love poking around the collapsed engine room, imagining the chaos of that stormy night. Look closely for the small crabs scuttling in the shadows, and if the visibility is good, you’ll see the sunlight dappling through the water, making the rust colours glow. Our best dives here have always been on a calm, sunny day with a slack tide; it really brings out the character of the place.