HMS Drake Wreck (Rathlin)
Site Overview
HMS Drake was a WWI armoured cruiser torpedoed in 1917 and now rests at 15-25 m off Rathlin Island with massive structure, gun turrets and conger eels. One of the most impressive wrecks in Northern Ireland, it combines naval history with abundant life in clear Atlantic water. Reached by boat from the island, it is a spectacular advanced dive for those who can handle the current and remote setting. 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
"Brief on the wreck layout, depth and current. Descend the shotline to the hull, swim along the deck noting the turrets, and use a torch in the structure. Monitor bottom time for the 25 m max, ascend with a safety stop, and deploy the DSMB for the boat. Respect the war-wreck status. 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
Pollack
Pollachius pollachius
Best: Year-round
Anemone
Urticina felina
Best: Year-round
Grey Seal
Halichoerus grypus
Best: Year-round
Wrasse
Symphodus melops
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Moderate current
- Depth (to 25 m)
- Cold water
- Ferry logistics
- Remote location
- Fragile wreck
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
For advanced divers comfortable to 25 m with good buoyancy, who want a large historic wreck with life. A must for Northern Ireland wreck enthusiasts. 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
- Rathlin Dive
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Bushmills Inn
Bushmills • 8km away
The Salthouse
Ballycastle • 3km away