Passenger liner · 1925–1940 · Donegal, Ireland

HMS Transylvania

Also known as RMS Transylvania, F56.

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.

Type
Passenger linerBritish
Year built
1925Fairfield Shipbuilding, Glasgow (for Anchor Line)
Lost
August 10th, 1940Torpedo
Tonnage
16,923 GRTsteam
Length
168 m
Depth
130–134 m
Location
Donegal, IrelandInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland

2 of 7 facts above are cited in Sources below.

Deeper than 184 of the 185 wrecks on the map with a recorded depth.

  • Position: Published positions differ between sources; the position shown follows the position policy. Other published figures exist (why sources disagree).

History and LossLost August 10th, 1940 · Torpedo · World War II · Donegal, Ireland.

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.

Built 1925 by Fairfield Shipbuilding, Glasgow (for Anchor Line); 15 years in service, also recorded as RMS Transylvania and F56. Lost August 10th, 1940, torpedo during World War II.

Condition of the WreckIntact, in 130–134 m.

Intactness

Sitting upright. 17,000-ton ocean liner largely intact on the seabed.

Notable Features

  • 17,000-ton ocean liner sitting upright at 130m+
  • Largely intact on seabed
  • Armed merchant cruiser pennant F56
  • Served on Northern Patrol
  • Featured in Divernet article

Additional Details13 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.

Nationality
British
Flag
United Kingdom
Builder
Fairfield Shipbuilding, Glasgow (for Anchor Line)
Propulsion
Steam
Loss date
August 10th, 1940
Conflict / event
World War II
Latitude
55.81° N
Longitude
7.81° W
Water body
Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
War grave
No
Protected
No
Permit required
No
Condition
Intact

Sources and VerificationEvery cited fact on this page traces to a published source.

Background reading is listed for context and is not counted as a citation for the facts above.

  • INFOMAR Shipwrecks © Geological Survey Ireland and Marine Institute. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

A further 3 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.

Licences and credits for the open data used on this site are on the Attribution page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HMS Transylvania?

HMS Transylvania is the wreck of a passenger liner, off Donegal, Ireland, at 134 metres. HMS Transylvania was torpedoed in 1940.

How deep is the HMS Transylvania?

HMS Transylvania lies at 130 to 134 metres, Approximately 30 nautical miles north of Tory Island, ~40nm NW of Malin Head.

How did the HMS Transylvania sink?

HMS Transylvania was torpedoed on August 10th, 1940 during World War II, off Donegal, Ireland.