Also known as: Dakotian
The Dakotian's end came with shocking speed. A Heinkel 111H bomber dropped a parachute magnetic mine into Milford Haven in November 1940, and when it detonated against the anchored cargo steamer she went down in barely three minutes — one of the earliest parachute mine casualties in Welsh waters. At 6,426 tons she was a substantial vessel, and even lying on her side she retains enough structure to fill a dive. The depth range of 7 to 19 metres puts her within reach of intermediate divers, though the visibility in this part of Milford Haven can be challenging and the tides demand respect. What the site lacks in crystal water it makes up for in atmosphere: swimming along a 120-metre hull canted on its beam ends, knowing how suddenly and violently her war ended, gives the Dakotian a sombre character that clear-water wrecks sometimes lack.
Struck a parachuted magnetic mine dropped by a German Heinkel 111H bomber. Sank in approximately three minutes while at anchor in Milford Haven. One of the first victims of German parachute mining in this area.
SS Dakotian is a cargo vessel wreck located off Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom at a depth of 19 metres. The vessel was lost due to mine in 1940. The wreck is diveable.
SS Dakotian lies at 7 to 19 metres depth, Hats and Barrels, approach to Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.
SS Dakotian struck a mine on 21 November 1940 during World War II, off Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom.
Diving the SS Dakotian is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Minimum certification: Open Water. Recommended: Advanced Open Water.
The best months to dive SS Dakotian are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 17°C in summer.
SS Dakotian is accessed by boat from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 8.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 8.5°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 9.5°C | 6.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting |
| May | 11.0°C | 8.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones, nudibranchs |
| Jun | 13.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, seals, jellyfish |
| Jul | 15.0°C | 13.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, sunfish |
| Aug | 17.0°C | 15.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, sunfish |
| Sep | 16.0°C | 12.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Oct | 13.0°C | 8.0m | marginal | Moderate — season closing |
| Nov | 10.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 9.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
2 evidence records from 2 sources.
Depth range 7-19m. Lying on side with substantial structure.
Struck parachuted magnetic mine from Heinkel 111H. Sank in ~3 minutes at anchor in Milford Haven.
Hats and Barrels, approach to Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire