Also known as: Audacious
For the entire duration of World War I, the British Admiralty pretended HMS Audacious still existed. The King George V-class dreadnought battleship struck a German mine off Tory Island on 27 October 1914 -- one of the first major warship losses of the war. Despite hours of rescue attempts, she capsized after a magazine explosion. All crew were rescued by the White Star liner RMS Olympic, sister ship of the Titanic. The loss was kept secret to deny Germany a propaganda victory. The wreck now lies inverted at 58-68 metres depth, roughly 18 nautical miles northeast of Tory Island. Reaching it requires a three-hour-plus boat transfer and trimix capability, but the clear Atlantic water off Donegal often delivers visibility exceeding 15 metres. One of the most impressive technical dives in Irish waters.
During gunnery practice near Tory Island, HMS Audacious struck a mine laid by the German auxiliary SS Berlin. The crew were evacuated to RMS Olympic (Titanic's sister ship) but the battleship sank after an internal magazine explosion. The Admiralty attempted to censor news of the loss.
HMS Audacious is a warship wreck located off Donegal, Ireland at a depth of 68 metres. The vessel was lost due to mine in 1914. The wreck is diveable.
HMS Audacious lies at 58 to 68 metres depth, Approximately 18 nautical miles northeast of Tory Island, County Donegal.
HMS Audacious struck a mine on 27 October 1914 during World War I, off Donegal, Ireland. 0 people lost their lives.
Diving the HMS Audacious is rated extreme and is requires advanced technical diving qualifications including trimix certification and extensive deep wreck experience. Minimum certification: Trimix diver. Recommended: Advanced trimix.
The best months to dive HMS Audacious are June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 13.5°C in summer.
HMS Audacious is accessed by boat from Downings, Donegal, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.5°C | 5.0m | poor | low |
| Feb | 8.0°C | 5.0m | poor | low |
| Mar | 8.5°C | 6.0m | poor | low |
| Apr | 9.5°C | 7.0m | marginal | moderate |
| May | 10.5°C | 8.0m | marginal | moderate |
| Jun | 12.0°C | 12.0m | good | good |
| Jul | 13.0°C | 15.0m | good | high |
| Aug | 13.5°C | 15.0m | good | high |
| Sep | 12.5°C | 12.0m | good | good |
| Oct | 11.0°C | 8.0m | marginal | moderate |
| Nov | 9.5°C | 6.0m | marginal | low |
| Dec | 8.5°C | 5.0m | poor | low |
5 evidence records from 5 sources.
18 nm north/northeast of Tory Island, County Donegal
The wreck lies inverted at 58-68m depth, some 18 nautical miles northeast of Tory Island.
Struck mine laid by SS Berlin off Tory Island on 27 October 1914. Magazine explosion during sinking.
HMS Audacious — King George V-class dreadnought. Struck a mine off Tory Island on 27 October 1914. Crew rescued by RMS Olympic. Admiralty suppressed news of the sinking.
Approximately 18 nautical miles northeast of Tory Island, County Donegal