Her masts still break the surface. In the channel between Bere Island and the mainland at Castletownbere, the MV Bardini Reefer sits almost complete in just 15 metres of water -- masts protruding above the waterline, making the wreck impossible to miss. This 3,976 GRT Panamanian factory fishing vessel caught fire while at anchor in Bantry Bay and burned for three days before sinking on 15 December 1982. All crew were rescued by local boats. Gentle currents in the sheltered harbour have encouraged dense marine growth on the superstructure. Divers can explore the periphery and full length of the deck, viewing the boiler room, mast, and funnels. Penetration is possible through some openings. The site deserves at least two dives and is accessible to all levels including freedivers. Visibility varies between 3-5 metres.
The Bardini Reefer was a Panamanian-registered factory fishing vessel at anchor in Castletownbere harbour in Bantry Bay, waiting to go into dry dock. She caught fire and burned for three days before sinking on 15 December 1982 after onboard explosions. All crew were rescued by local boats. She sank in the channel between Bere Island and the mainland in approximately 15m of water.
MV Bardini Reefer is a cargo vessel wreck located off Cork, Ireland at a depth of 15 metres. The vessel was lost due to fire in 1982. The wreck is diveable.
MV Bardini Reefer lies at 0 to 15 metres depth, Channel between Bere Island and mainland, Bantry Bay, Castletownbere.
MV Bardini Reefer caught fire and sank on 12 December 1982, off Cork, Ireland. 0 people lost their lives.
Diving the MV Bardini Reefer is rated beginner and is suitable for newly certified Open Water divers.
The best months to dive MV Bardini Reefer are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 9°C in winter to 16°C in summer.
MV Bardini Reefer is accessed by boat from Castletownbere, Cork, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9.0°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 9.0°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 9.5°C | 7.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 10.5°C | 8.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| May | 12.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jun | 13.5°C | 12.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jul | 15.0°C | 14.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Aug | 16.0°C | 14.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Sep | 15.0°C | 12.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Oct | 13.0°C | 9.0m | marginal | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Nov | 11.0°C | 7.0m | marginal | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 10.0°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
6 evidence records from 6 sources.
Bardini Reefer, a Panamanian registered factory fishing vessel, caught fire and sank off Bere Island 1982. Located in Bearhaven Harbour between Bere Island and the mainland.
Factory ship sank in 15m of water after catching fire while at anchor. Wreck is almost complete, possible to poke your nose into some openings. Gentle currents, loads of growth on the superstructure. Finding it is no problem as masts are still showing above water.
Panamanian-registered factory ship caught fire at anchor in Castletownbere, sank after explosions 12 December 1982. All crew rescued.
Freedive footage of Bardini Reefer wreck at Bere Island, West Cork. Demonstrates the wreck is accessible for freediving as well as scuba.
MV Bardini Reefer wreck in Bantry Bay, photographic documentation of the wreck site.
Well preserved wreck in sheltered waters. Masts protrude above waterline. Shallow depth accessible for less experienced divers.
Channel between Bere Island and mainland, Bantry Bay, Castletownbere