From smuggling ship to artificial reef. Seized by the Irish Revenue Commissioners in 2014 while carrying 32 million cigarettes and 4.5 tonnes of tobacco -- a haul worth EUR 14 million in lost tax revenue -- the MV Shingle was deliberately sunk on 18 September 2024 in Killala Bay to create Ireland's first purpose-built artificial reef. All asbestos and pollutants were stripped from the 60-metre, 42-year-old hull before the controlled sinking. Then Storm Eowyn arrived on 24 January 2025 and broke the wreck into three sections -- bow, stern, and midships -- now lying 25-200 metres apart. Rather than a disaster, this created three distinct dive sites rather than one, with rapid barnacle growth and fish colonisation already established across all sections. Sits at approximately 29 metres. A cooperative venture between Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef, Revenue Commissioners, and Mayo and Sligo County Councils.
Deliberately sunk on 18 September 2024 to create Ireland's first artificial reef. The MV Shingle was a former Moldovan-registered cargo vessel seized by the Revenue Commissioners in 2014 while carrying 32 million cigarettes and 4.5 tonnes of tobacco, representing approximately EUR 14 million in potential lost tax revenue. All asbestos and pollutants were removed from the 42-year-old vessel before the controlled sinking. A cooperative venture between Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef Ltd (KBS2R), the Revenue Commissioners, and Mayo and Sligo County Councils. Storm Eowyn broke the wreck into three sections on 24 January 2025.
MV Shingle is a cargo vessel wreck located off Mayo, Ireland at a depth of 29 metres. The vessel was lost due to Deliberately sunk (artificial reef) in 2024. The wreck is diveable.
MV Shingle lies at approximately 29 metres depth, Killala Bay, over 4 km offshore, between Co. Mayo and Co. Sligo.
MV Shingle was lost due to Deliberately sunk (artificial reef) on 18 September 2024, off Mayo, Ireland.
Diving the MV Shingle is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent.
The best months to dive MV Shingle are June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 14°C in summer.
MV Shingle is accessed by boat from Killala, Mayo, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 8.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 8.5°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 9.5°C | 7.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| May | 10.5°C | 9.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| Jun | 12.0°C | 12.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jul | 13.0°C | 14.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Aug | 14.0°C | 14.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Sep | 13.0°C | 12.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Oct | 11.0°C | 7.0m | poor | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| Nov | 9.5°C | 6.0m | marginal | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 8.5°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
6 evidence records from 6 sources.
MV Shingle at 29m to seabed in Killala Bay. Already being colonised. Great success.
Storm Eowyn broke MV Shingle into three sections. Bow and stern apart from main structure. Two sections 25m apart, third 200m away. More interesting for divers — three separate wrecks to explore.
Moldovan-registered MV Shingle seized 2014 carrying 32 million cigarettes and 4.5 tonnes tobacco, EUR 14 million in lost tax revenue. Asbestos and pollutants removed from 42-year-old vessel before sinking.
Cooperative venture: Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef, Revenue Commissioners, Mayo and Sligo County Councils. Former smuggling vessel.
MV Shingle, 60m steel-hulled cargo vessel, deliberately sunk 18 September 2024 in Killala Bay as Ireland's first artificial reef.
Biodiversity thriving. Storm Eowyn broke wreck into three sections, made more interesting for divers. Massive barnacle growth becoming habitat for fish. Caroline Bolger of Bray Divers filmed biodiversity videos.
Killala Bay, over 4 km offshore, between Co. Mayo and Co. Sligo