Also known as: RMS Transylvania, F56
A 17,000-ton ocean liner sitting upright on the seabed at 130 metres, largely intact, in water described as having awesome visibility. HMS Transylvania is among the deepest diveable wrecks in the region -- extreme technical expedition territory, accessible only to expert trimix or CCR divers. Built in 1925 by Fairfield Shipbuilding in Glasgow for the Anchor Line, she was requisitioned in August 1939 and converted to armed merchant cruiser F56, serving on the Northern Patrol. On 10 August 1940, U-56 torpedoed her approximately 40 nautical miles northwest of Malin Head. Taken in tow, she later foundered. Approximately 300 officers and ratings were rescued by nearby trawlers. The wreck requires a 3-4 hour boat transit from the Donegal coast.
Torpedoed by U-56 (one G7e torpedo hit aft of the stack) approximately 40 nautical miles NW of Malin Head. Taken in tow but later foundered. About 300 officers and ratings were rescued by nearby trawlers. Requisitioned by Admiralty August 1939, converted to armed merchant cruiser (pennant F56), conversion completed October 1939. Served on Northern Patrol.
HMS Transylvania is a passenger liner wreck located off Donegal, Ireland at a depth of 134 metres. The vessel was lost due to torpedo in 1940. The wreck is diveable.
HMS Transylvania lies at 130 to 134 metres depth, Approximately 30 nautical miles north of Tory Island, ~40nm NW of Malin Head.
HMS Transylvania was torpedoed on 10 August 1940 during World War II, off Donegal, Ireland.
Diving the HMS Transylvania is rated extreme and is requires advanced technical diving qualifications including trimix certification and extensive deep wreck experience. Recommended: Expert trimix / CCR diver.
The best months to dive HMS Transylvania are June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 14°C in summer.
HMS Transylvania is accessed by boat from Malin Head, Donegal, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 8.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 8.5°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 9.5°C | 7.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| May | 10.5°C | 9.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| Jun | 12.0°C | 14.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jul | 13.0°C | 18.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Aug | 14.0°C | 18.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Sep | 13.0°C | 14.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Oct | 11.0°C | 7.0m | poor | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| Nov | 9.5°C | 6.0m | marginal | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 8.5°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
3 evidence records from 3 sources.
HMS Transylvania at 380-440 ft (130-134m). Among the deepest wrecks in the Malin Head area.
Torpedoed by U-56 on 10 August 1940, 40nm NW of Malin Head. Requisitioned 1939, pennant F56. About 300 rescued.
17,000-ton ocean liner sitting upright, largely intact. Awesome visibility at depth. 130-134m.
Approximately 30 nautical miles north of Tory Island, ~40nm NW of Malin Head