Steamship · 1903–1917 · Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom
LONGWY
Captain Joseph Huet and twenty-eight crew members perished when the French steamship Longwy was torpedoed by the German submarine UC-75 in early November 1917. The attack occurred a few miles off Corsewall Point as the vessel was en route from Nantes to Bilbao, intending to load iron ore before proceeding to Glasgow. The captain's body was later found washed ashore at Girvan.
Following the sinking, a temporary Notice to Mariners was issued, and a light buoy was placed by the Northern Lighthouse Board to mark the wreck, as her masts posed a navigational hazard. This buoy was removed in October 1919. Today, the Longwy lies broken on the seabed of the Firth of Clyde. Despite her condition, notable features such as the boilers, triple expansion engine, and stern section remain visible.
The site is subject to strong tidal currents, making access challenging.
StatusWar grave
Type
SteamshipFrench
Year built
1903
Lost
1917Torpedoed
Tonnage
2,315 GRTsteam
Depth
18.5–26.5 mIntermediate grade
Minimum cert.
Confirm with a local operator
Access
Shore
Location
Firth of Clyde, United KingdomFirth of Clyde
7 of 8 facts above are cited in Sources below.
History and LossLost 1917 · Torpedoed · World War I · Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom.
Built 1903; 14 years in service. Lost 1917, torpedoed during World War I.
Condition of the WreckBroken, in 18.5–26.5 m.
Notable Features
Boilers
Cargo remains
Stern section
Triple expansion engine
Regulations and RestrictionsWar grave.
This is a war grave, where human remains may be present.
A reference and a starting point, not a dive plan. Plan any dive with a local professional who knows the site and the conditions on the day.
Depth, Access and DifficultyGraded Intermediate · Certification unverified.
Open water 33Advanced 34Deep 36Technical 25Trimix 15
18304060140
Seasonal Conditions
Seasonality for LONGWY: water temperature, typical visibility, surface access and marine life, by month.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Water temp
8.9°
7.9°
7.5°
8.2°
10.1°
12.2°
14°
14.6°
14.4°
13.4°
12°
10.3°
Visibility
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Additional Details12 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.
Nationality
French
Flag
France
Propulsion
Steam
Loss date
1917
Conflict / event
World War I
Latitude
55.0548° N
Longitude
5.1766° W
Water body
Firth of Clyde
War grave
Yes
Protected
No
Permit required
No
Condition
Broken
Sources and VerificationEvery cited fact on this page traces to a published source.
AUSTRIA20 m, intermediate, iron steamship Cromptonintermediate, cargo vessel ELINOR VIKING20 m, intermediate F218 m, intermediate, warship
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LONGWY?
LONGWY is a steamship wreck located off Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom at a depth of 26.5 metres. The vessel was lost due to torpedoed in 1917. The wreck is diveable.
How deep is the LONGWY?
LONGWY lies at 18.5 to 26.5 metres depth, Firth of Clyde.
How did the LONGWY sink?
LONGWY was lost due to torpedoed on 1917 during World War I, off Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom.
What certification do you need to dive the LONGWY?
As reported, diving the LONGWY is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Minimum certification: Confirm with a local operator. A reference and a starting point, not a dive plan. Plan any dive with a local professional who knows the site and the conditions on the day.
How do you get to the LONGWY wreck?
LONGWY is accessed by shore, Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom. The wreck is a designated war grave.
26.5 m
26.5 m at the deepest, 18.5 m at the shallowest structure — deeper than 58 of the 143 diveable wrecks in this database, past the advanced threshold.