Also known as: Justicia, RMS Justicia, SS Statendam
Six torpedoes from two separate U-boats over two days. That's what it took to sink the Justicia -- one of the largest vessels lost during World War I at 32,234 GRT and 237 metres long. Originally laid down as the Holland-America liner Statendam, she was completed as a British troopship. UB-64 torpedoed her northwest of Malin Head on 19 July 1918, but she stayed afloat and was taken in tow. The following day UB-124 found her and fired two more torpedoes. By noon she rolled over and sank. At 70 metres depth, over 25 nautical miles offshore, everything about the wreck is enormous: oversized chains, derricks, capstans on the foredeck, a massive anchor still in place on the broken-off bow. A three-hour-plus boat transfer is required. The sheer scale makes this one of the most extraordinary technical dives in the world.
On 19 July 1918, Justicia was sailing unladen from Belfast to New York, escorted by destroyers, when she was torpedoed by UB-64. The torpedo struck but watertight doors were closed in time, temporarily preventing sinking. UB-64 fired two more torpedoes hitting her side. The ship was taken in tow by the tug Sonia. The following day, 20 July, UB-124 found the crippled Justicia and fired two more torpedoes which struck amidships. By noon the vessel rolled over onto her side and sank. It took six torpedoes from two separate U-boats over two days to sink her — testament to her enormous size and construction.
HMT Justicia is a troopship wreck located off Donegal, Ireland at a depth of 72 metres. The vessel was lost due to torpedo in 1918. The wreck is diveable.
HMT Justicia lies at 65 to 72 metres depth, Approximately 25-28 nautical miles northwest of Malin Head, County Donegal.
HMT Justicia was torpedoed on 20 July 1918 during World War I, off Donegal, Ireland. 16 people lost their lives.
Diving the HMT Justicia 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 with expedition experience.
The best months to dive HMT Justicia are June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 13.5°C in summer.
HMT Justicia is accessed by boat from Malin Head, Donegal, Ireland. The wreck is a designated war grave.
| 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 |
6 evidence records from 6 sources.
The Justicia lies at approximately 70m depth, 25+ nautical miles offshore from Malin Head.
Torpedoed by UB-64 and UB-124 over two days (19-20 July 1918). Six torpedoes total. 16 lives lost.
At 32,234 tons, the Justicia was the second largest ship sunk in WWI. Torpedoed by UB-64 and UB-124 over two days.
Sitting upright at almost 70m, Justicia is the furthest out of the wrecks. Everything about Justicia is big, from the oversized chains, derricks and capstans on its foredeck to the massive anchor that still sits in place.
Approximately 25-28 nautical miles northwest of Malin Head, County Donegal