SS Empire Wessex Wreck (Killybegs)
Site Overview
The SS Empire Wessex was sunk in 1940 and lies at 20-30 m off Killybegs, a deeper historic wreck for advanced divers in clear Donegal water. Pollack, wrasse and anemones colonise the hull, and the remote setting adds to the adventure. Reached by boat from the fishing port, it suits divers comfortable to 30 m who want a wartime wreck away from the crowds. 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 depth, gas and the current. Descend the shotline to the Wessex, swim along the hull controlling buoyancy, and use a torch in the structure. Monitor bottom time for the 30 m max, ascend with a safety stop, and deploy the DSMB for the boat. 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
Wrasse
Symphodus melops
Best: Year-round
Edible Crab
Cancer pagurus
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Depth (to 30 m)
- Moderate current
- Cold water
- Boat traffic
- Exposure
- Fragile wreck
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
For advanced divers comfortable to 30 m with good buoyancy, who want a deeper historic wreck. Good as a Donegal wreck 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.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Killybegs Wreck Diving
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Rathmullan House
Rathmullan • 5km away
McGrorys Hotel
Buncrana • 10km away