Raindrop Wreck (SS Empire Tern)
Site Overview
The Raindrop (SS Empire Tern) is a WWII-era cargo wreck lying at 10-20 m in the sheltered Strangford Lough, rich in macro life and history. Conger eels, wrasse, crabs and anemones colonise the hull, and the gentle conditions make it a practical training wreck. Close to Portaferry, it is a relaxed, forgiving dive for intermediate divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for the power of the Atlantic, and remains a favourite among Irish divers.
Dive Briefing
"Plan a shallow profile over the wreck and brief on depth and the mild current. Descend to the Empire Tern, control buoyancy to protect the bottom, and use a torch in the structure. Watch for boat traffic near the moorings, and ascend with a safety stop. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
Conger Eel
Conger conger
Best: Year-round
Wrasse
Symphodus melops
Best: Year-round
Anemone
Urticina felina
Best: Year-round
Edible Crab
Cancer pagurus
Best: Year-round
Sea Squirt
Ciona intestinalis
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Mild current
- Cold water
- Boat traffic
- Limited visibility
- Silt suspension
- Fragile wreck
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Suited to intermediate divers and training groups wanting an accessible historic wreck in calm water. A good lough dive. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance. It suits confident cold-water divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich invertebrate life over tropical abundance.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Portaferry Dive
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Culloden Estate & Spa
Holywood • 10km away
Portaferry Hotel
Portaferry • 2km away