You can see it from the cliff walk above -- and then swim through it below. The Samson is a 55-metre Maltese crane barge that washed ashore at Ram Head, Ardmore, during a south-easterly gale on 12 December 1987 while being towed from Liverpool to Malta. The towline parted off the Welsh coast and could not be reconnected. The crew of two were rescued by RAF helicopter from Brawdy. Despite questions in Dail Eireann about removing the wreck, it was never salvaged. In April 2016 the entire crane jib collapsed into the sea, adding to the underwater wreckage. The site offers shallow diving and snorkelling from 5 to 16 metres and has become a popular local dive -- shore or boat access from Ardmore. An evolving, accessible wreck in a scenic location.
On 11 December 1987, the Maltese-owned 180ft crane barge Samson was being towed from Liverpool to Malta when the towline parted in near gale-force conditions off the Welsh coast. Attempts to reconnect the tow failed. The unmanned barge drifted eastward and on 12 December was driven ashore at Ram Head, Ardmore, County Waterford, during a south-easterly gale. The crew of two were rescued by RAF helicopter from Brawdy, South Wales. Despite questions raised in Dail Eireann, the wreck was never salvaged.
Samson is a crane barge wreck located off Waterford, Ireland at a depth of 16 metres. The vessel was lost due to Driven ashore in gale in 1987. The wreck is diveable.
Samson lies at 5 to 16 metres depth, Base of cliffs at Ram Head, Ardmore, Co. Waterford.
Samson was lost due to Driven ashore in gale on 12 December 1987, off Waterford, Ireland. 0 people lost their lives.
Diving the Samson is rated beginner and is suitable for newly certified Open Water divers.
The best months to dive Samson are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 16°C in summer.
Samson is accessed by shore or boat from Ardmore, Waterford, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 8.5°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 9.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 10.0°C | 6.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| May | 11.5°C | 8.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jun | 13.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jul | 14.5°C | 11.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Aug | 16.0°C | 11.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Sep | 15.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Oct | 13.0°C | 7.0m | marginal | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Nov | 10.5°C | 5.0m | marginal | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 9.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
6 evidence records from 5 sources.
Ram Head including crane ship: shallow diving to 16m.
Samson crane barge remains in situ at Ram Head, Ardmore. Popular diving and snorkelling spot.
Samson wreck still in situ at Ram Head, Ardmore. Visible and accessible.
In April 2016 the entire jib collapsed into the sea. Ongoing deterioration of the Samson crane barge at Ram Head, Ardmore.
Maltese-owned 180ft crane barge. Tow parted in near gale-force conditions off Welsh coast 11 December 1987. Driven ashore at Ram Head 12 December. Crew of two rescued by RAF helicopter from Brawdy. Despite Dail Eireann questions, never salvaged.
Maltese-owned 180ft crane barge. Tow parted during SE gale 12 December 1987 en route Liverpool to Malta. Crew rescued by RAF helicopter from Brawdy.
Base of cliffs at Ram Head, Ardmore, Co. Waterford