RIBBLE & MANACLES (POSSIBLY) - South Coast

The Ribble & Manacles is a bit of a mystery, which we love. It’s listed as a dangerous wreck, though the depths listed are a bit off – no dive site is one metre deep. What we *do* know is she was a trawler, built in 1900, and met her end in 1906 after hitting Mizen Head in the fog. Eleven people were rescued, but the Ribble went down. This site is all about the history, the hunt for clues, and the incredible resilience of marine life. We’re talking about a wreck that’s been down for over a century, likely broken up but still holding secrets. You’ll be navigating through remnants of a bygone era, perhaps spotting a steam engine, maybe some deck plating, all encrusted with dense carpets of anemones and sponges. Conger eels often find shelter in the deeper, more intact sections, and you’ll see plenty of wrasse darting through the rusted metal. It’s a dive for those who appreciate a good puzzle and the raw beauty of a wreck reclaiming its own. We’d suggest a good dive light and a keen eye to really make the most of it.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.450500, -9.819944
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Three Castle Head to Mizen 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 RIBBLE & MANACLES (POSSIBLY)

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 RIBBLE & MANACLES (POSSIBLY)

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