Cargo vessel · 1909–1917 · Wexford, Ireland

SS Ardmore

Also known as Ardmore.

U-boat warfare in the First World War stripped the City of Cork Steam Packet Company of six ships, one after another, and the SS Ardmore was one of them; together the losses all but bankrupted the firm. The Caledon Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. had built her at Dundee in 1909, 79.3 metres long and 11 metres in the beam.

She was on passage from London to Cork with general cargo when SM U-95 torpedoed her on 13 November 1917 in St George's Channel, 13 nautical miles west-southwest of the Coningbeg Lightship, and 19 of her 27 crew were killed. Once peace came the company rebuilt, and the SS Ardmore II took her place. Her wreck lies in St George's Channel, off the coast of Wexford.

Type
Cargo vesselBritish
Year built
1909
Lost
November 13th, 1917Torpedo
Casualties
19World War I
Length
79.3 m11 m beam
Depth
30–50 m
Location
Wexford, IrelandCeltic Sea

3 of 7 facts above are cited in Sources below.

Deeper than 149 of the 185 wrecks on the map with a recorded depth.

History and LossLost November 13th, 1917 · Torpedo · World War I · Wexford, Ireland.

On 13 November 1917, the SS Ardmore was torpedoed by SM U-95 while on passage from London to Cork with general cargo. The attack occurred in St George's Channel, 13 nautical miles WSW of the Coningbeg Lightship. Nineteen of the 27 crew were killed. The Ardmore was one of six City of Cork Steam Packet Company vessels lost during WWI — the cumulative losses nearly bankrupted the company.

Built 1909; 8 years in service, also recorded as Ardmore. Lost November 13th, 1917, torpedo during World War I.

19lives lost on November 13th, 1917.

The Voyage

Last voyage
London to Cork
Destination
Cork
Cargo
General cargo

Condition of the Wreckin 30–50 m.

Intactness

Wreck condition not well documented publicly. Lies in St George's Channel off the Wexford coast.

Notable Features

  • One of six WWI losses for City of Cork Steam Packet Company
  • 19 of 27 crew killed
  • Torpedoed by SM U-95 in St George's Channel
  • Replaced post-war by SS Ardmore II

Regulations and Restrictions

Protected wreck (over 100 years old) under the National Monuments Acts (National Monuments Service).

Additional Details11 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.

Nationality
British
Flag
United Kingdom
Propulsion
Steam
Loss date
November 13th, 1917
Conflict / event
World War I
Latitude
52.08° N
Longitude
6.56° W
Water body
Celtic Sea
War grave
No
Protected
No
Permit required
No

Sources and VerificationEvery cited fact on this page traces to a published source.

Background reading is listed for context and is not counted as a citation for the facts above.

  • INFOMAR Shipwrecks © Geological Survey Ireland and Marine Institute. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

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 SS Ardmore?

SS Ardmore is the wreck of a cargo vessel, off Wexford, Ireland, at 50 metres. SS Ardmore was torpedoed in 1917.

How deep is the SS Ardmore?

SS Ardmore lies at 30 to 50 metres, St. George's Channel, approximately 13 nm WSW of Coningbeg Lightship, off County Wexford.

How did the SS Ardmore sink?

SS Ardmore was torpedoed on November 13th, 1917 during World War I, off Wexford, Ireland. 19 people lost their lives.

Is the SS Ardmore protected?

Yes. SS Ardmore is protected: protected wreck (over 100 years old) under the National Monuments Acts (National Monuments Service).