Submarine · 1916–1918 · Donegal, Ireland
SM U-89
Also known as U-89, U89.
SM U-89, a German submarine built in 1916 and rammed in 1918, lies at 58–64 metres off Donegal, Ireland. The site is a designated war grave.
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.
Designated war grave.
- Type
- SubmarineGerman
- Year built
- 1916
- Lost
- February 12th, 1918Ramming
- Casualties
- 43World War I
- Tonnage
- 808 GRTdiesel-electric
- Length
- 71.6 m6.3 m beam
- Depth
- 58–64 m
- Location
- Donegal, IrelandInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
1 of 8 facts above is cited in Sources below.
Deeper than 165 of the 185 wrecks on the map with a recorded depth.
History and LossLost February 12th, 1918 · Ramming · World War I · Donegal, Ireland.
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.
Built 1916; 2 years in service, also recorded as U-89 and U89. Lost February 12th, 1918, ramming during World War I.
Condition of the WreckLargely intact, in 58–64 m.
Intactness
Remarkably well preserved. Deck guns visible at both bow and stern. Torpedoes remain in storage compartments. The submarine's overall structure is intact.
The wreck benefits from the clear Atlantic water and rocky seabed which limits sediment burial.
Notable Features
- Deck guns at both bow and stern
- Torpedoes still in storage
- Large cod, pollock and conger eels
- Designated war grave
Regulations and RestrictionsWar grave.
This is a war grave, where human remains may be present. Protected wreck (over 100 years old) under the National Monuments Acts (National Monuments Service).
Additional Details13 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.
- Nationality
- German
- Flag
- Germany
- Propulsion
- Diesel-electric
- Loss date
- February 12th, 1918
- Conflict / event
- World War I
- Latitude
- 55.71° N
- Longitude
- 7.58° W
- Water body
- Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
- Protection regime
- Protected automatically under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2014: all wrecks over 100 years old in Irish waters are protected, and underwater archaeological objects are protected irrespective of age.
- War grave
- Yes
- Protected
- No
- Permit required
- No
- Condition
- Largely intact
Sources and VerificationEvery cited fact on this page traces to a published source.
- Irish Wrecks Onlineirishwrecksonline.net · Secondary source4 facts
- X-Ray Magxray-mag.com · Secondary source2 facts
- BSACbsac.com · Club or operator5 facts
- Divernetdivernet.com · Club or operator3 facts
- Mevagh Divingmevaghdiving.com · Club or operator1 fact
- Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org · Background reading4 facts
Background reading is listed for context and is not counted as a citation for the facts above.
A further 4 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.
Licences and credits for the open data used on this site are on the Attribution page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SM U-89?
SM U-89 is the wreck of a submarine, off Donegal, Ireland, at 64 metres. SM U-89 was rammed and sank in 1918.
How deep is the SM U-89?
SM U-89 lies at 58 to 64 metres, Approximately 25 miles off Malin Head, County Donegal.
How did the SM U-89 sink?
SM U-89 was rammed and sank on February 12th, 1918 during World War I, off Donegal, Ireland. 43 people lost their lives.
Is the SM U-89 protected?
Yes. SM U-89 is protected: protected wreck (over 100 years old) under the National Monuments Acts (National Monuments Service). SM U-89 is recorded as a war grave.