Also known as: U-89, U89
Visibility can exceed 40 metres here -- some of the clearest water on the planet, thanks to the rock and shale seabed off the Donegal coast. SM U-89 sits at approximately 62 metres depth, 25 miles off Malin Head, remarkably well preserved with deck guns at both bow and stern and torpedoes still in storage. She surfaced just 200 yards ahead of the cruiser HMS Roxburgh on 12 February 1918. The cruiser rammed the conning tower without hesitation, sending U-89 to the bottom with all 43 crew. Large cod, pollock, and conger eels patrol the wreck. Diving is from specialist charter boats out of Malin Head using trimix, with bottom times of around 30 minutes and total run times of 85 minutes. Designated war grave.
On 12 February 1918, U-89 was operating off Malin Head when she surfaced approximately 200 yards ahead of the cruiser HMS Roxburgh. The cruiser immediately rammed the submarine's conning tower. U-89 sank rapidly with all 43 crew. There was no time for the crew to escape. The incident was swift and decisive — one of the more dramatic submarine losses of WWI.
SM U-89 is a submarine wreck located off Donegal, Ireland at a depth of 64 metres. The vessel was lost due to ramming in 1918. The wreck is diveable.
SM U-89 lies at 58 to 64 metres depth, Approximately 25 miles off Malin Head, County Donegal.
SM U-89 was rammed on 12 February 1918 during World War I, off Donegal, Ireland. 43 people lost their lives.
Diving the SM U-89 is rated extreme and is requires advanced technical diving qualifications including trimix certification and extensive deep wreck experience. Minimum certification: Trimix diver.
The best months to dive SM U-89 are June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 13.5°C in summer.
SM U-89 is accessed by boat from Malin Head, Donegal, Ireland. The wreck is a designated war grave.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.5°C | 5.0m | poor | low |
| Feb | 8.0°C | 5.0m | poor | low |
| Mar | 8.5°C | 6.0m | poor | low |
| Apr | 9.5°C | 7.0m | marginal | moderate |
| May | 10.5°C | 8.0m | marginal | moderate |
| Jun | 12.0°C | 12.0m | good | good |
| Jul | 13.0°C | 15.0m | good | high |
| Aug | 13.5°C | 15.0m | good | high |
| Sep | 12.5°C | 12.0m | good | good |
| Oct | 11.0°C | 8.0m | marginal | moderate |
| Nov | 9.5°C | 6.0m | marginal | low |
| Dec | 8.5°C | 5.0m | poor | low |
5 evidence records from 5 sources.
U-89 lies at 62m depth, 25 miles off Malin Head.
Rammed and sunk by HMS Roxburgh off Malin Head, 12 February 1918. All 43 crew lost.
Rammed and sunk by HMS Roxburgh on 12 February 1918, all 43 crew lost.
U-89 rammed by HMS Roxburgh off Malin Head. Deck guns bow and stern, torpedoes in storage. Visibility up to 40m.
Approximately 25 miles off Malin Head, County Donegal