Lost in 1910, not found again until 1970. The Crompton, a 2,810-ton steel four-masted barque and veteran of many Atlantic crossings, met her end on the unforgiving western cliffs at Dromgour Point on Valentia Island. All crew survived -- five men scrambled up the cliff at Filenagaragh to safety. Six decades later, divers rediscovered heavy plate steel remnants, a second anchor, rusting chains from the forward chain locker, spars, and plating scattered on the rocky seabed below the dramatic cliff face. The main anchor was recovered and is now a well-known local landmark, displayed on Des Lavelle's forecourt on Valentia Island. An atmospheric dive beneath towering cliff scenery, accessed by boat from Valentia. Depths at Dromgour Point range from 20 metres to beyond 50.
Four-masted steel barque of 2,810 tons wrecked in 1910 on the western cliffs at Dromgour Point on Valentia Island. The vessel ran aground beneath the unforgiving cliffs at Drumgour. All of the Crompton's crew were saved, with five of the men scrambling up the cliff at Filenagaragh to reach safety. The wreck was not rediscovered until 1970.
Crompton is a cargo vessel wreck located off Kerry, Ireland. The vessel was lost due to Grounding in 1910. The wreck is diveable.
Crompton ran aground on 1 January 1910, off Kerry, Ireland.
Diving the Crompton is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent.
The best months to dive Crompton are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 9°C in winter to 16°C in summer.
Crompton is accessed by boat from Valentia Island, Kerry, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9.0°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 9.0°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 9.5°C | 7.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 10.5°C | 8.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| May | 12.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jun | 13.5°C | 12.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jul | 15.0°C | 14.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Aug | 16.0°C | 14.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Sep | 15.0°C | 12.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Oct | 13.0°C | 9.0m | marginal | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Nov | 11.0°C | 7.0m | marginal | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 10.0°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
5 evidence records from 2 sources.
Dromgour Point depths range from shallow 20m to beyond 50m. Crompton wreckage in this area.
Divers found second anchor, rusting chains from forward chain locker, spars, plating. Heavy plate steel remnants on seabed below cliffs.
Heavy plate steel remnants. Documented by dive expedition.
Crompton: four-masted barque of 2,810 tons, wrecked 1910 at Dromgour Point, Valentia Island. Not rediscovered until 1970. All crew saved, five scrambled up cliff at Filenagaragh. Main anchor on Des Lavelle's forecourt.
Crompton: four-masted barque wrecked in 1910. Not rediscovered until 1970. Main anchor recovered, displayed on Des Lavelle's forecourt on Valentia Island.
Near Valentia Island / Beginish area, western cliffs