Cargo vessel · lost 1917 · Wexford, Ireland

SS Coningbeg

Also known as Coningbeg.

Two ships. One U-boat. Two days. Eighty-three dead -- sixty-seven of them from a city of just 28,000 people.

On 15 December 1917, U-62 torpedoed the SS Formby on the Liverpool to Waterford route. Bad weather delayed the news. Two days later, the SS Coningbeg sailed the same route, unaware her sister ship lay on the bottom. U-62 was still there.

All 44 aboard the Coningbeg perished. Originally built as SS Clodagh by Ailsa Shipbuilders in Troon in 1903, the Coningbeg was a Clyde Shipping Company cargo vessel serving the Waterford trade. Together with the Formby, this twin tragedy remains one of the worst maritime disasters of WWI off the Irish coast.

StatusWar grave
Type
Cargo vesselBritish
Lost
December 17th, 1917Torpedo
Casualties
44World War I
Depth
30–50 m
Location
Wexford, IrelandCeltic Sea

0 of 5 facts above are cited in Sources below.

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

  • Lives lost: 44 shown; range in sources 3–44. Other published figures exist (why sources disagree).

History and LossLost December 17th, 1917 · Torpedo · World War I · Wexford, Ireland.

On 15 December 1917, U-62 torpedoed the SS Formby on the Liverpool to Waterford route, killing all 35 aboard. Bad weather delayed news reaching Waterford, and it was assumed the Formby had simply sheltered from the storm. Two days later, on 17 December, the SS Coningbeg sailed the same route unaware of the Formby's fate.

U-62, still patrolling the area, torpedoed the Coningbeg approximately 30km southwest of Bardsey Island. All 44 aboard were killed. The twin sinkings devastated Waterford — 67 of the 83 dead were from the city and surrounding areas including Faithlegg and Cheekpoint.

Lost December 17th, 1917, torpedo during World War I.

44lives lost on December 17th, 1917.

The Voyage

Last voyage
Liverpool to Waterford
Final port
Liverpool
Destination
Waterford
Cargo
General cargo

Condition of the Wreckin 30–50 m.

Intactness

Wreck condition not well documented publicly. The site is prone to strong tidal currents. Marine life is reported as prolific with colourful growth on the wreckage.

Notable Features

  • Twin tragedy with SS Formby — both sunk by same U-boat 2 days apart
  • 67 of 83 total dead from Waterford area
  • One of worst WWI maritime disasters off Irish coast

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 Details12 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.

Nationality
British
Flag
United Kingdom
Propulsion
Steam
Loss date
December 17th, 1917
Conflict / event
World War I
Latitude
52.08° N
Longitude
6.83° W
Water body
Celtic Sea
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

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

A further 5 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 Coningbeg?

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

How deep is the SS Coningbeg?

SS Coningbeg lies at 30 to 50 metres, Near Saltee Islands / Coningbeg Rock, off County Wexford.

How did the SS Coningbeg sink?

SS Coningbeg was torpedoed on December 17th, 1917 during World War I, off Wexford, Ireland. 44 people lost their lives.

Is the SS Coningbeg protected?

Yes. SS Coningbeg is protected: protected wreck (over 100 years old) under the National Monuments Acts (National Monuments Service). SS Coningbeg is recorded as a war grave.