Also known as: Ranga
Hollywood came calling for this wreck. The MV Ranga, a 1,586-tonne container ship, was driven onto the rocks at Dunmore Head near Coumeenole Beach on the Dingle Peninsula on 11 March 1982 after losing power in a severe storm -- on her maiden voyage under her new name. All fifteen crew were rescued, some by breeches buoy rigged by Dingle Fire Brigade, the rest by RAF helicopter. Captain Miguel Angel Diaz Madariaga was the last to leave. The ship split in two. In 1991, the stern section with superstructure was hauled away for the filming of Far and Away starring Tom Cruise. What remains lies in shallow water from 2-12 metres, accessible but subject to surge and wave action. The dramatic Slea Head scenery makes the setting as memorable as the dive.
On 11 March 1982, the MV Ranga was on her maiden voyage from Vigo, Spain, to Reykjavík, Iceland, when she lost power during a severe Atlantic storm. Unable to manoeuvre, she was driven onto the rocks at Dunmore Head, close to Coumeenole Beach on the Dingle Peninsula. All fifteen crew were rescued by a combined effort of Dingle Fire Brigade, An Garda Síochána, and an RAF helicopter. Captain Madariaga was the last rescued. The ship was a total loss and caused oil pollution as she broke up. She quickly split into two sections.
MV Ranga is a cargo vessel wreck located off Kerry, Ireland at a depth of 12 metres. The vessel was lost due to grounding in 1982. The wreck is diveable.
MV Ranga lies at 2 to 12 metres depth, Dunmore Head, near Coumeenole Beach, Slea Head, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry.
MV Ranga ran aground on 11 March 1982, off Kerry, Ireland. 0 people lost their lives.
Diving the MV Ranga 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 Ranga are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 9°C in winter to 15°C in summer.
MV Ranga is accessed by shore or boat from Dingle, Kerry, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9.5°C | 5.0m | poor | approximate |
| Feb | 9.0°C | 5.0m | poor | approximate |
| Mar | 9.5°C | 6.0m | fair | increasing |
| Apr | 10.0°C | 7.0m | fair | moderate |
| May | 11.0°C | 9.0m | good | good |
| Jun | 12.5°C | 10.0m | good | good |
| Jul | 14.0°C | 12.0m | good | excellent |
| Aug | 15.0°C | 12.0m | good | excellent |
| Sep | 14.5°C | 10.0m | good | good |
| Oct | 13.0°C | 7.0m | fair | moderate |
| Nov | 11.0°C | 6.0m | poor | moderate |
| Dec | 10.0°C | 5.0m | poor | approximate |
4 evidence records from 3 sources.
52 6 33 N 10 28 6 W at Dunmore Head near Coumeenole Beach
Photographic evidence of the Ranga wreck at Dunmore Head before stern removal.
Lost power during severe storm on maiden voyage from Vigo to Reykjavik, 11 March 1982
Lost power on maiden voyage in storm, driven onto rocks at Dunmore Head, 11 March 1982. All 15 crew rescued. Stern removed 1991 for filming of Far and Away.
Dunmore Head, near Coumeenole Beach, Slea Head, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry