ANGMERING - West Coast

Angmering isn't your typical Irish wreck. At just 5 metres, it’s a brilliant way to spend an afternoon, especially when the weather decides to play nice. We love that you can do long dives here without worrying about deco, giving you ample time to really explore the ship. This old motor vessel, sunk back in '75, lies well broken up but still recognisable in sections. The bow and stern are the most interesting parts, with twisted metal and gaping holes that invite exploration. Keep an eye out for the resident conger eels tucked into the darker recesses – they’re quite common here. The main deck area is a jumble of collapsed plating, but there are always plenty of crabs scuttling about and tiny blennies peering from crevices. Visibility can be hit or miss, as it often is in Ireland, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the shallower parts of the wreck. It's a fantastic site for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting to practice their skills without the pressure of depth. Our top tip? Go at slack water for the easiest dive; the currents here can pick up, making it a bit of a push.

Location
West Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.236280, -9.106222
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - ANGMERING

Year Sunk
1975
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
1,599 GRT

The MV Angmering began her life in 1965 as the Rattray Head, a modern motor vessel built for the coastal trade. A product of the Clelands Shipbuilding Co. on the River Tyne, she was a versatile cargo carrier of 1,599 GRT. In 1973, she was sold to the Stephenson Clarke company and renamed Angmering, continuing her workhorse duties around the British Isles.

Her final voyage in January 1975 turned into a dramatic tale of survival against the odds. While transporting a cargo of coal from Ayr, Scotland, to Limerick, Ireland, the Angmering was caught in a furious Force 10 gale off the coast of County Mayo. The storm proved too much for the vessel, driving her onto the rocks at Rossan Point. As the ship began to break apart in the violent surf, the Arranmore lifeboat launched into the storm in a heroic and highly skilled rescue, saving all 13 crew members from the doomed vessel just before it broke in two and sank.

Lying in just 5 meters of water, the Angmering is a testament to the power of the Atlantic. The wreck is thoroughly broken up due to the violence of its sinking and its exposure to constant wave action. Despite this, it offers a compelling dive, with large sections of twisted steel and machinery creating an intricate habitat for a wealth of marine life. Its extreme shallow depth makes it a bright dive on a clear day, but also means it should only be approached in calm sea conditions.

Marine Protected Area: Inner Galway Bay

Best Time to Dive in West Coast

The warmest water temperatures in West Coast occur in January, averaging 8.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.9°C (air: 7.2°C)
  • February: 8.9°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • March: 8.9°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • April: 8.9°C (air: 9.8°C)
  • May: 8.9°C (air: 12.0°C)
  • June: 8.9°C (air: 14.2°C)
  • July: 8.9°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • August: 8.9°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • September: 8.9°C (air: 14.8°C)
  • October: 8.9°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • November: 8.9°C (air: 10.3°C)
  • December: 8.9°C (air: 8.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to ANGMERING

Marine Life in West Coast

Home to 183 recorded species including 86 reef fish, 20 sharks & rays, 15 whales & dolphins, 12 other, 10 seagrass & algae, 8 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

  • dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) - Sharks & Rays
  • Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) - Reef Fish
  • hake (Merluccius merluccius) - Reef Fish
  • grey gurnard (Eutrigla gurnardus) - Reef Fish
  • whiting (Merlangius merlangus) - Reef Fish
  • Split (Scomber scombrus) - Reef Fish
  • megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) - Reef Fish
  • Pollock (Trachurus trachurus) - Reef Fish
  • Common dragonet (Callionymus lyra) - Reef Fish
  • poor cod (Trisopterus minutus) - Reef Fish
  • blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) - Reef Fish
  • Boarfish (Capros aper) - Reef Fish
  • Protestant (Clupea harengus) - Reef Fish
  • lesser argentine (Argentina sphyraena) - Reef Fish
  • Soldier (Chelidonichthys cuculus) - Reef Fish
  • Angler (Lophius piscatorius) - Reef Fish
  • dab (Limanda limanda) - Reef Fish
  • Cape Shark (Squalus acanthias) - Sharks & Rays
  • sprat (Sprattus sprattus) - Reef Fish
  • Bastard Sole (Microchirus variegatus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for ANGMERING

Based on average water temperature of 8.9°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 are the typical depths for scuba diving at the Angmering dive site?
The Angmering dive site is quite shallow, with a typical depth of 5 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive for those looking for a relatively shallow experience. You can find more details about this site on its dedicated page: Angmering Dive Site.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Angmering?
The primary underwater feature at Angmering is a substantial motor vessel wreck, which sank on January 29, 1975. This vessel measures 83.5m x 13.1m, providing an extensive structure for exploration. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, divers can often expect various local species to inhabit such wrecks; for general information on marine life, visit our Wildlife Database.
How challenging is the Angmering dive site for different levels of scuba divers?
The Angmering dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Furthermore, it is specifically noted as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating that divers should approach it with caution and appropriate training. This classification suggests that it is best suited for divers with some experience and potentially specialized wreck diving skills.
What is the best time of year to dive at Angmering for optimal conditions and visibility?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Angmering for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on seasonal diving and planning your trips, you might consult our When to Dive section. Always check local conditions with a dive operator before planning your dive at Angmering.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive at the Angmering site?
Given that Angmering is an intermediate difficulty dive and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," divers should ideally possess an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Specialized wreck diving training is also highly recommended due to its classification and the nature of the site. Ensuring you have the right equipment and training is crucial for a safe dive.
What are the usual current conditions and expected visibility at the Angmering dive site?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the usual current conditions or expected visibility at the Angmering dive site. As conditions can vary, divers should always check with local dive centers or guides for up-to-date information before planning their dive. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.