ARGO DELOS (STERN SECTION) - Scottish West Coast

The stern section of the Argo Delos off the Scottish West Coast is a proper adventure. Dropping down to 38 metres, you’re met by this huge, dark shape emerging from the murk. We love how intact the stern still is; the rudder is still there, massive, and the propeller blades are just begging to be seen. You can push into the sterncastle, carefully, and the feeling of swimming through those tight spaces, knowing the ship broke free and drifted before sinking, it really gives you a chill. Visibility can be a bit variable, but on a good day, the light filtering down plays tricks on the metal, making it seem alive. There are always conger eels tucked into the dark recesses and we’ve seen some seriously chunky pollack patrolling above the deck plates. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a current.

Location
Scottish West Coast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.391670, -7.067919
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Wreck History - ARGO DELOS (STERN SECTION)

Year Sunk
1960
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
8,639 GRT

The 'Argo Delos' was a substantial Greek motor vessel of over 8,600 tons, a testament to the post-war boom in global shipping. In the autumn of 1960, it embarked on a voyage that would be its last, departing from Glasgow with a general cargo bound for the distant shores of Cuba. The journey would take it through the challenging waters off the northern coast of Ireland, a region notorious for its treacherous rocks and powerful currents.

On October 22, 1960, in the grip of a fierce storm, the 'Argo Delos' ran aground on the submerged Torr Beg rocks, just off Inishtrahull Island. The vessel held fast for over a week, but the relentless pounding of the waves proved too much. On November 1st, the ship's back broke, and the entire stern section tore away, miraculously floating free. A salvage tug took the stern in tow, but the damaged section was too unstable. The following day, it succumbed to the sea and sank, leaving the bow section impaled on the reef where it remains today.

For experienced technical divers, the stern of the 'Argo Delos' offers a deep and dramatic dive. Lying at 38 meters, the wreckage is a massive and imposing sight on the seabed. The exposed location means dives must be carefully planned around tides and weather, as strong currents can sweep the site. Those who make the descent are rewarded with the view of a huge piece of a once-mighty ship, its propellers and rudder still visible, now acting as a deep-water reef for cold-water species in the wild and beautiful waters of the North Atlantic.

Marine Protected Area: Magilligan Point

Nearby Dive Sites in Scottish West Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to ARGO DELOS (STERN SECTION)

Marine Life in Scottish West Coast

Home to 127 recorded species including 50 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 10 seagrass & algae, 9 sharks & rays, 8 other, 7 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species