HMS RACOON - West Coast

The HMS Racoon sits deep on the seabed off the West Coast of Ireland, a stark reminder of a brutal January storm in 1918. We’ve always found deep wrecks in these parts to be particularly atmospheric, and this destroyer is no exception. Lying mostly intact at 43 metres, she’s a dive for those comfortable with depth and perhaps a bit of current – conditions here can shift quickly. What makes the Racoon stand out for us isn't just her history, but the way she's become part of the seabed. As you descend, the visibility can range from a crisp 15 metres to a murkier 5 metres, lending a real sense of exploration. We’ve finned past the gun mounts, now encrusted with colourful anemones, and peered into the gaping engine room, where you might spot a ling lurking in the shadows. Look closely at the superstructure; you’ll see the intricate work of hundreds of small cup corals. The prop shafts are still there, a massive feature on the stern, and often shrouded by schools of pollack. This isn’t a penetration dive for us, more a chance to appreciate a piece of naval history reclaimed by the Atlantic. It's a sombre, beautiful dive, best suited for experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the quiet power of a deep, historical site.

Location: West Coast, Ireland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 54.333332, -9.500000
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 43m

Marine Protected Area: Illanmaster SPA

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to HMS RACOON

Dive Aran - SSI
Kilkee Dive Centre - SSI

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 HMS RACOON

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