Also known as: Aud, SS Libau, Libau, Castro
Captain Karl Spindler chose to scuttle his ship rather than let 20,000 rifles fall into British hands. The SS Aud -- actually the SS Libau, a German vessel disguised as a Norwegian steamer -- was carrying 20,000 rifles, a million rounds of ammunition, and ten machine guns for the planned 1916 Easter Rising. After sailing from Germany around Scotland, she arrived off the Kerry coast on 20 April 1916 but failed to connect with the Irish rebels due to miscommunication. Intercepted by the Royal Navy and escorted into Cork Harbour, Spindler ordered scuttling charges set. The Aud sank on 22 April with her entire weapons cargo. The wreck at approximately 30 metres in Cork Harbour is very broken up, but boilers and thousands of rifle bullets remain visible among the wreckage. One of the most historically significant wrecks in Ireland.
The Aud departed Lübeck, Germany, on 9 April 1916 carrying arms for the Easter Rising. Disguised as the Norwegian steamer Aud, she sailed around Scotland to avoid detection. She arrived off Fenit, County Kerry, on 20 April but the planned rendezvous with Irish rebels failed due to miscommunication about dates. After waiting in vain, the Aud was intercepted by HMS Bluebell on 21 April. Under escort to Cork Harbour, Captain Karl Spindler ordered scuttling charges set. On 22 April 1916, as the ship entered the harbour, the crew abandoned ship and the Aud sank with her entire cargo of weapons, denying them to both the rebels and the British.
SS Aud is a cargo vessel wreck located off Cork, Ireland at a depth of 30 metres. The vessel was lost by scuttling in 1916. The wreck is diveable.
SS Aud lies at 5 to 30 metres depth, Near Daunt Rock, entrance to Cork Harbour.
SS Aud was deliberately scuttled on 22 April 1916 during Easter Rising 1916, off Cork, Ireland. 0 people lost their lives.
Diving the SS Aud is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Minimum certification: Open Water Diver.
The best months to dive SS Aud are April, May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8.5°C in winter to 15°C in summer.
SS Aud is accessed by boat from Cobh, Cork, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9.0°C | 5.0m | fair | approximate |
| Feb | 8.5°C | 5.0m | fair | approximate |
| Mar | 9.0°C | 6.0m | fair | increasing |
| Apr | 9.5°C | 7.0m | good | moderate |
| May | 10.5°C | 8.0m | good | good |
| Jun | 12.0°C | 10.0m | good | good |
| Jul | 14.0°C | 10.0m | good | excellent |
| Aug | 15.0°C | 10.0m | good | excellent |
| Sep | 14.0°C | 8.0m | good | good |
| Oct | 12.5°C | 6.0m | fair | moderate |
| Nov | 11.0°C | 5.0m | fair | moderate |
| Dec | 10.0°C | 5.0m | fair | approximate |
6 evidence records from 6 sources.
The Aud now lies in 36m of water and is very broken up, with boilers and thousands of bullets visible.
Scuttled by Captain Karl Spindler on 22 April 1916 to prevent arms cargo being captured by Royal Navy
Detailed account of the Aud's voyage, interception, and scuttling by Captain Karl Spindler in Cork Harbour.
Carrying 20,000 rifles, one million rounds of ammunition and three machine guns for the 1916 Easter Rising. Scuttled in Cork Harbour on 22 April 1916.
Near Daunt Rock, entrance to Cork Harbour