Also known as: RMS Atrato, The Viking
No distress signal. No survivors. No conclusive explanation. HMS Viknor vanished off Tory Island on 13 January 1915 with all 295 hands -- one of the worst Royal Navy losses off Ireland in World War I. Originally built as RMS Atrato in 1888, she was later sold and renamed The Viking for use as a cruise ship, then requisitioned by the Admiralty in late 1914 and sent to war. The cause of her loss was never determined, though the SMS Berlin minefield -- which also claimed HMS Audacious and SS Manchester Commerce -- is the prime suspect. The wreck was finally located in 2006 by the Irish survey vessel Celtic Explorer at 85 metres depth, 18 kilometres west of Tory Island. An extreme technical dive in exposed Atlantic conditions. Designated war grave.
Sank with all 295 hands in heavy seas off Tory Island. Cause never conclusively determined — suspected mine from SMS Berlin minefield (same field that claimed HMS Audacious and SS Manchester Commerce). No distress signal was sent. Originally built as RMS Atrato for RMSPC. Sold in 1912, renamed The Viking as a cruise ship. Requisitioned in late 1914 as armed merchant cruiser and renamed HMS Viknor.
HMS Viknor is a warship wreck located off Donegal, Ireland at a depth of 85 metres. The vessel was lost due to mine in 1915. The wreck is diveable.
HMS Viknor lies at approximately 85 metres depth, 18km west of Tory Island.
HMS Viknor struck a mine on 13 January 1915 during World War I, off Donegal, Ireland. 295 people lost their lives.
Diving the HMS Viknor is rated extreme and is requires advanced technical diving qualifications including trimix certification and extensive deep wreck experience. Recommended: Expert trimix diver.
The best months to dive HMS Viknor are June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 14°C in summer.
HMS Viknor is accessed by boat from Downings, Donegal, Ireland. The wreck is a designated war grave.
| 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.
Total loss of all hands — 295 crew. One of the worst Royal Navy losses off Ireland in WWI.
Located in 2006 by Celtic Explorer survey vessel at 85m depth. Cause of loss still uncertain even after survey.
Sank 13 January 1915, all 295 hands lost. Suspected SMS Berlin minefield. No distress signal. Originally RMS Atrato, then The Viking cruise ship.
18km west of Tory Island