PERE CHARLES - South Coast

The Pere Charles, a twin-rig trawler that went down in a Force 7 gale back in 2007, sits upright and largely intact on the seabed at 27 metres. We love that you can still feel the story here, picturing the crew fighting that storm. Dropping down, you’ll first make out the wheelhouse, often wreathed in shadows from the stern mast. It's a proper playground for torch beams, poking into the open hatches and exploring the trawl deck. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the twin-rigging gear remains, a jumble of winches and cables that have become home to some surprisingly bold conger eels. We’ve seen them peering out from every nook, alongside lobsters and edible crabs tucked into the deeper recesses. Visibility can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is on the South Coast, but on a good day, the light penetrating the superstructure gives the whole wreck an eerie, atmospheric glow. This site is a fantastic dive for anyone keen on wreck penetration and getting up close with coastal Irish marine life; just be sure to check the forecast for swell before heading out.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
52.085000, -6.905000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
27m

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 PERE CHARLES

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 PERE CHARLES

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 the Pere Charles wreck?
The Pere Charles wreck is located at a depth of 27 meters, making it an ideal dive for those comfortable with deeper wreck exploration. You can find more details about this dive site on its dedicated page: Pere Charles.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Pere Charles dive site?
The Pere Charles is a fascinating wreck dive, a 19.9m x 6.5m twin-rig trawler that sank in 2007. While specific marine life details are not provided for this site, divers can expect to explore the structure of this fishing vessel. For general information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Pere Charles dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Pere Charles dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, and it is also noted as a Dangerous wreck. Given its depth of 27 meters and classification, it is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should have appropriate experience for this site in Ireland's South Coast.
What are the best times of year or conditions to dive the Pere Charles for optimal visibility and safety?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or optimal conditions for diving the Pere Charles for visibility and safety. However, it's important to note the vessel sank in SW Force 7 conditions, highlighting the potential for strong weather in the region. Divers should always check local weather and sea conditions before planning a dive at Pere Charles.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Pere Charles?
Given the intermediate difficulty and a depth of 27 meters, divers should possess certifications that qualify them for deeper wreck dives. An Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is generally recommended for sites of this nature. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for the Pere Charles.
Are there strong currents or other specific conditions divers should be aware of when planning a dive at Pere Charles?
While specific current data isn't provided, the Pere Charles sank in SW Force 7 conditions, suggesting the area can experience strong weather and potentially strong currents. Furthermore, the wreck is classified as a Dangerous wreck, indicating additional hazards divers should be aware of. Always consult local dive operators for current conditions and safety briefings before diving this site in Ireland.