One man survived -- blown clear into the sea by the force of the explosion. When a mine from UC-42 detonated amidships on 12 July 1917, the 37-metre armed minesweeper George Milburn was ripped apart while escorting the oiler SS Wylie from Queenstown to Milford. Eleven of the twelve crew died instantly. The sole survivor was picked up by a passing fishing boat. The wreck lies in two pieces at 23 metres west of Hook Head in Waterford Harbour. Local sub-aqua clubs leave a permanent shot line on the site, making it easy to locate. The relatively shallow depth allows extended bottom time, and DUSAC describe it as a rewarding afternoon dive. About 30 minutes by boat from Dunmore East. Designated war grave.
On 12 July 1917, HM Trawler George Milburn was escorting the oiler SS Wylie from Queenstown to Milford when a mine from the German submarine UC-42 (commander Otto Heinrich Tornow) detonated amidships. The explosion was catastrophic — 11 of the 12 crew were killed instantly. The sole survivor was blown clear into the sea by the force of the blast and was subsequently picked up by a fishing boat.
George Milburn is a dredger wreck located off Waterford, Ireland at a depth of 30 metres. The vessel was lost due to Mine in 1917. The wreck is diveable.
George Milburn lies at 23 to 30 metres depth, Waterford Harbour, west of Hook Head.
George Milburn struck a mine on 12 July 1917 during World War I, off Waterford, Ireland. 11 people lost their lives.
Diving the George Milburn is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent.
The best months to dive George Milburn are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 16°C in summer.
George Milburn is accessed by boat from Dunmore East, Waterford, Ireland. The wreck is a designated war grave.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 8.5°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 9.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 10.0°C | 6.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| May | 11.5°C | 8.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jun | 13.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jul | 14.5°C | 11.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Aug | 16.0°C | 11.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Sep | 15.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Oct | 13.0°C | 7.0m | marginal | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Nov | 10.5°C | 5.0m | marginal | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 9.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
5 evidence records from 4 sources.
George Milburn in 23m, two pieces. Local clubs leave a shot on the wreck. Lovely afternoon dive. About 30 minutes out from Dunmore East.
George Milburn in 23m. Local clubs leave a shot on the wreck. Lovely afternoon dive. About 30 minutes out from Dunmore East.
HM Trawler George Milburn mined 12 July 1917 while escorting SS Wylie. UC-42 responsible.
George Milburn: steel steam trawler (37.31m x 6.75m, draft 3.76m, 235 tonnes), built by R. Irvin & Son. Mine from UC-42 (Otto Heinrich Tornow) detonated amidships 12 July 1917. 11 killed, sole survivor blown clear into sea. DUSAC first dived 2006.
George Milburn: steel steam trawler (37.31m, 235 tonnes), mine detonated amidships escorting SS Wylie. 11 killed, sole survivor blown clear.
Waterford Harbour, west of Hook Head