Also known as: Breda
If any single wreck can claim to have introduced Scotland to recreational diving, it is the Breda. Bombed by a Luftwaffe Heinkel in the Firth of Lorn in December 1940, this Dutch cargo steamer was beached in Ardmucknish Bay — only for winter gales to drag her back into deeper water where she settled upright on the seabed. Her sheltered position just minutes from Oban harbour makes her accessible when more exposed sites are blown out, and the absence of strong tides means conditions are forgiving for newer divers working toward their first proper wreck penetration. The superstructure sits between 11 and 19 metres, with the seabed at around 30. Marine growth is lush, with dahlia anemones, soft corals and shoals of pollack patrolling the companionways. Thousands of divers visit her each year, yet she never feels crowded underwater.
Bombed by a Heinkel III aircraft in the Firth of Lorn during WWII. The attack shattered internal piping. She was beached in Ardmucknish Bay, but winter storms pulled her off the beach and she sank in deeper water.
SS Breda is a cargo vessel wreck located off Argyll, United Kingdom at a depth of 30 metres. The vessel was lost due to war loss in 1940. The wreck is diveable.
SS Breda lies at 11 to 30 metres depth, Ardmucknish Bay, near Oban, Argyll.
SS Breda was lost due to war loss on 23 December 1940 during World War II, off Argyll, United Kingdom.
Diving the SS Breda is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Minimum certification: PADI AOWD / BSAC Sports Diver. Recommended: PADI AOWD / BSAC Sports Diver.
The best months to dive SS Breda are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 7°C in winter to 14°C in summer.
SS Breda is accessed by boat from Oban, Argyll, United Kingdom.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 7.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 7.5°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 8.5°C | 7.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting |
| May | 10.0°C | 8.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, anemones, soft corals |
| Jun | 11.5°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, anemones, soft corals |
| Jul | 13.0°C | 13.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, plumose anemones |
| Aug | 14.0°C | 15.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, plumose anemones |
| Sep | 13.0°C | 12.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, anemones, soft corals |
| Oct | 11.0°C | 8.0m | marginal | Good — wrasse, pollock, anemones, soft corals |
| Nov | 9.0°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 8.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
3 evidence records from 3 sources.
Ardmucknish Bay, near Oban. Very conveniently located.
Dutch cargo-passenger steamship. Bombed by Heinkel III in Firth of Lorn, 23 December 1940. Beached but winter storms pulled her off.
Reasonably intact, sitting upright. Probably Scotland's most-dived wreck. Sheltered from most bad weather and not subject to strong tides.
Ardmucknish Bay, near Oban, Argyll