Also known as: Bolivar, SS Bolivar
Dublin was desperate for food. The winter of 1947 was the worst in living memory -- freezing conditions, snowstorms, snowdrifts for weeks. On 4 March, the Norwegian motor vessel Bolivar was making her way across the Irish Sea with badly needed grain and supplies from Uruguay when a blinding snowstorm struck and she ran onto the Kish Bank sandbank. Despite attempts to pull free, the ship broke in two. All crew were rescued. The engine room was salvaged and the wreck partially dispersed with explosives in 1948 as a navigation hazard. Today the remains lie in 4-10 metres, split into two sections about 150 metres apart. The shifting Kish Bank sands alternately expose and bury different parts. Best dived 1.5 to 2 hours before high or low water at Dublin Port.
The winter of 1947 was one of the worst in living memory, with freezing conditions, snowstorms, and snowdrifts throughout February. On the morning of 4 March, the MV Bolivar was making her way across the Irish Sea bound for Dublin Port with a badly needed cargo of grain and essential supplies when she struck the Kish Bank sandbank during a snowstorm. Despite attempts to pull herself free, the ship broke in two and became a total loss. All crew were rescued.
MV Bolivar is a cargo vessel wreck located off Dublin, Ireland at a depth of 10 metres. The vessel was lost due to grounding in 1947. The wreck is diveable.
MV Bolivar lies at 4 to 10 metres depth, Kish Bank, near No. 2 buoy, Dublin Bay.
MV Bolivar ran aground on 4 March 1947, off Dublin, Ireland.
Diving the MV Bolivar is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Minimum certification: Open Water Diver.
The best months to dive MV Bolivar are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 15°C in summer.
MV Bolivar is accessed by boat from Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.5°C | 3.0m | poor | approximate |
| Feb | 8.0°C | 3.0m | poor | approximate |
| Mar | 8.5°C | 4.0m | fair | increasing |
| Apr | 9.0°C | 5.0m | fair | moderate |
| May | 10.0°C | 6.0m | good | good |
| Jun | 12.0°C | 7.0m | good | good |
| Jul | 14.0°C | 8.0m | good | good |
| Aug | 15.0°C | 8.0m | good | good |
| Sep | 14.0°C | 6.0m | good | good |
| Oct | 12.5°C | 5.0m | fair | moderate |
| Nov | 10.5°C | 4.0m | poor | approximate |
| Dec | 9.5°C | 3.0m | poor | approximate |
5 evidence records from 5 sources.
Coordinates 53 16.21 N 05 55.21 W on Kish Bank near No. 2 Buoy
Engine room salvaged. Partially dispersed with explosives 1948 as navigation obstruction. Shifting sands affect visibility of wreck.
Struck Kish Bank during severe snowstorm 4 March 1947, broke in two
Norwegian motor vessel. Struck Kish Bank 4 March 1947 during snowstorm. Broke in two. Engine room salvaged, wreck dispersed with explosives 1948.
Maximum depth 8-10m. Broken in two — stern section and bow 150m to north. Best dived 1.5-2 hours before high/low water.
Kish Bank, near No. 2 buoy, Dublin Bay