Also known as: Surveillante
Beneath the sheltered waters of Bantry Bay lies one of the most archaeologically significant wrecks in Ireland -- a French frigate scuttled during the failed 1796-97 expedition to support Irish rebellion against British rule. La Surveillante went down on 2 January 1797 after her crew chose scuttling over capture by the Royal Navy. Lost for nearly two centuries, the wreck was identified in 1981 during marine surveys following the Whiddy Island oil terminal disaster, and confirmed in 1997 when the ship's bell was located. Preservation is exceptional: the wreck survives from the orlop deck down to the copper-sheathed keelson, with the entire site contained within just 50 by 25 metres. A nationally protected monument (NMS Wreck Number W08507), diving requires prior permission from authorities.
In December 1796, a French fleet of 43 ships carrying approximately 15,000 troops sailed from Brest to support an Irish rebellion against British rule. Severe storms scattered the fleet and prevented a landing. La Surveillante, damaged and unable to return to France, was scuttled by her crew in Bantry Bay on 2 January 1797 to prevent capture by the Royal Navy. The failed expedition is known as the Bantry Bay Expedition or Hoche's Expedition.
La Surveillante is a frigate wreck located off Cork, Ireland at a depth of 12 metres. The vessel was lost by scuttling in 1797. The wreck is diveable.
La Surveillante lies at 8 to 12 metres depth, Bantry Bay, County Cork.
La Surveillante was deliberately scuttled on 2 January 1797 during French Revolutionary Wars / 1798 Rebellion, off Cork, Ireland.
Diving the La Surveillante is rated advanced and is requires an Advanced Open Water certification with wreck diving experience. Minimum certification: Advanced Open Water.
The best months to dive La Surveillante are May, June, July, August, September, October. Water temperature ranges from 9°C in winter to 15.5°C in summer.
La Surveillante is accessed by boat from Bantry, Cork, Ireland. A dive permit is required.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9.5°C | 5.0m | poor | low |
| Feb | 9.0°C | 5.0m | poor | low |
| Mar | 9.5°C | 6.0m | poor | low |
| Apr | 10.5°C | 7.0m | marginal | moderate |
| May | 12.0°C | 9.0m | good | good |
| Jun | 13.5°C | 10.0m | good | good |
| Jul | 15.0°C | 12.0m | good | high |
| Aug | 15.5°C | 12.0m | good | high |
| Sep | 14.5°C | 10.0m | good | good |
| Oct | 13.0°C | 8.0m | good | good |
| Nov | 11.0°C | 6.0m | marginal | low |
| Dec | 10.0°C | 5.0m | poor | low |
5 evidence records from 5 sources.
NMS Wreck W08507, Bantry Bay. Surveyed by Celtic Voyager in 2007 INFOMAR survey.
Site distribution limited to 50x25m. Preservation exceptional for Irish waters. Survives from orlop deck to copper-sheathed keelson.
Scuttled 2 January 1797 during failed French Expedition to Ireland (Expedition d'Irlande)
French frigate scuttled in Bantry Bay, 2 January 1797. Wreck identified 1981, confirmed 1997 with ship's bell.
Peer-reviewed archaeological study of the wreck. Exceptional preservation offers valuable insight into 18th-century frigate construction.
Bantry Bay, County Cork