UC42 Cork - South Coast

The UC42, a German U-boat sunk by depth charges in 1917, lies almost perfectly upright at 28 meters. We love a wreck with a story, and this one delivers. Dropping down, the U-boat’s silhouette emerges from the green gloom, surprisingly intact given its age. You can clearly make out the conning tower, the torpedo tubes, and even some of the deck gun. Exploring the UC42 is like stepping back in time; the metal hull is now a rugged apartment block for conger eels, their heads peeking from every dark opening. Dogfish often rest on the deck plates, and we’ve seen schools of pollock circling high above the structure, catching the shafts of light that occasionally break through. The visibility can vary, as it often does in Irish waters, but on a good day, you get a real sense of the scale of this historical artefact. This dive really suits those who appreciate maritime history and the quiet drama of a wreck slowly succumbing to the ocean, now a vibrant artificial reef. It’s an intermediate dive, mainly due to the depth and potential for surge, but well worth the effort for a glimpse into the past.

Location
South Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
51.739100, -8.191100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Cork Harbour 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 UC42 Cork

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 UC42 Cork

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