OCEAN SEARCHER - South Coast

The *Ocean Searcher* isn't a deep dive, which is part of its charm. This old trawler, just 26 metres long, went down in a gale in 1975 and ended up on Tramore Strand. We love that it’s right there, accessible, a great option when the weather kicks up and forces us off the deeper stuff. When the tide is right, you're looking at a shallow dive, sometimes only a few metres. The wreck itself is broken, twisted metal, a testament to the storm that put it there. You can still make out the bow, the stern, and parts of the wheelhouse structure, now heavily encrusted. The light penetration is excellent, so colours pop, particularly the vivid greens of the kelp and anemones that cling to every surface. We've seen some surprisingly large pollack sheltering in the ribs of the hull, and schools of juvenile coalfish darting through the wreckage. It’s a site that changes with the seasons and the shifting sands. We’d suggest a dive at high slack tide for the calmest conditions, giving you more time to pick through the debris and imagine the trawler in its working life. It's a dive that tells a story, perfect for those who appreciate maritime history and don't mind a bit of a rumble with the surge.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.150000, -7.100000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Tramore Back Strand 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 OCEAN SEARCHER

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 OCEAN SEARCHER

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

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Ocean Searcher dive site?
The Ocean Searcher dive site is located at a depth of 0m. This indicates it is a very shallow site, likely accessible from the surface or even partially exposed, given its description of having "drifted ashore on Tramore Strand." Divers can expect to explore the wreck in extremely shallow conditions.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter at Ocean Searcher?
The Ocean Searcher is a fascinating wreck dive, a 25.9m trawler vessel that foundered in 1975. Divers will primarily encounter the structure of this historic wreck, which is classified as "showing any portion of hull or superstructure." While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks typically attract various species over time, which you can learn more about in our wildlife database.
How would you rate the difficulty of the Ocean Searcher dive site for different experience levels?
The Ocean Searcher dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience and comfort in various diving conditions. It is not recommended for absolute beginners, but experienced open water divers should find it manageable.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at Ocean Searcher for optimal conditions and sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year or season to dive at the Ocean Searcher for optimal conditions and sightings is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, please refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive at the Ocean Searcher site?
Given that the Ocean Searcher dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, divers should possess a foundational level of experience beyond entry-level certification. While specific certifications are not listed, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended for intermediate sites to ensure diver safety and enjoyment.
What are the prevailing currents and typical visibility conditions at the Ocean Searcher dive site?
Details regarding the prevailing currents and typical visibility conditions at the Ocean Searcher dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on these environmental factors.