Bucket dredger · 1876–1902 · Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom
GREENOCK
The Greenock was located three days after her sinking by the Clyde Lighthouse Trust, resting three-quarters of a mile southwest of the Cloch Lighthouse. Despite her intact condition, no salvage attempts were made, and her owners received a £10,000 insurance payout. Built by William Simons & Company in 1876, the Greenock was a steam-powered bucket dredger serving primarily in the harbours of the Firth of Clyde.
Her loss occurred on 18th November 1902 when the steamer Ape collided with her, causing her to capsize and sink. All but one of the crew survived. Today, the wreck lies upright on a sand and mud seabed, featuring notable elements like her boilers, propeller, and winch. The site, once hazardous due to unexploded mines, remains a point of interest for its structural features and historical significance.
Type
Bucket dredger
Year built
1876William Simons & Company at Renfrew
Lost
1902
Tonnage
858 GRTsteam
Depth
16–30 mIntermediate grade
Minimum cert.
Confirm with a local operator
Location
Firth of Clyde, United KingdomFirth of Clyde
6 of 7 facts above are cited in Sources below.
History and LossLost 1902 · Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom.
Built 1876 by William Simons & Company at Renfrew; 26 years in service. Lost 1902.
Condition of the WreckIntact, in 16–30 m.
Notable Features
Anchor
Boilers
Bow section
Propeller
Winch
A reference and a starting point, not a dive plan. Plan any dive with a local professional who knows the site and the conditions on the day.
Depth, Access and DifficultyGraded Intermediate · Certification unverified.
Open water 33Advanced 34Deep 36Technical 25Trimix 15
18304060140
Seasonal Conditions
Seasonality for GREENOCK: water temperature, typical visibility, surface access and marine life, by month.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Water temp
8.2°
7.1°
7°
8.1°
10°
12.1°
13.9°
14.6°
13.8°
12.4°
11.2°
9.6°
Visibility
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
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Additional Details8 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.
Builder
William Simons & Company at Renfrew
Propulsion
Steam
Loss date
1902
Latitude
55.9327° N
Longitude
4.8939° W
Water body
Firth of Clyde
Nearest port
Dunoon
Condition
Intact
Sources and VerificationEvery cited fact on this page traces to a published source.
AUSTRIA20 m, intermediate, iron steamship Cromptonintermediate, cargo vessel ELINOR VIKING20 m, intermediate F218 m, intermediate, warship
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GREENOCK?
GREENOCK is a bucket dredger wreck located off Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom at a depth of 30 metres. The wreck is diveable.
How deep is the GREENOCK?
GREENOCK lies at 16 to 30 metres depth, Firth of Clyde.
What certification do you need to dive the GREENOCK?
As reported, diving the GREENOCK is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Minimum certification: Confirm with a local operator. A reference and a starting point, not a dive plan. Plan any dive with a local professional who knows the site and the conditions on the day.
How do you get to the GREENOCK wreck?
GREENOCK is accessed by boat from Dunoon, Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom.
30 m
30 m at the deepest, 16 m at the shallowest structure — deeper than 67 of the 143 diveable wrecks in this database, past the deep threshold.