"Possibly the best wreck dive in Ireland." That is the verdict of local charter operators on the SS Folia, and the numbers back it up: relatively light currents and an average bottom visibility of 9 metres or more -- exceptional for Irish waters. This former Cunard liner of 6,705 GRT was torpedoed by U-53 under the highly decorated Hans Rose on 11 March 1917, 4 nautical miles off Ram Head, Ardmore. The third officer spotted a periscope 150 metres away, then two torpedo wakes. U-53 surfaced, circled, shelled the ship four times, and fired a second torpedo. Seven crew died. Badly broken up at 33-38 metres, but bow, boilers, stern with rudder, and an anti-aircraft gun remain as high points. Spent artillery shells from her 4,400-tonne cargo litter the seabed. Takes several dives to appreciate fully. Licence required from National Monuments Service. Boat from Dungarvan.
On 11 March 1917, while bound from New York to Avonmouth (Bristol) with 4,400 tons of general cargo including trench-digging machinery and shell cases, the SS Folia was torpedoed by the German submarine U-53, commanded by Hans Rose — one of the most successful and highly decorated submarine commanders of the era. The third officer spotted a periscope approximately 150m away, followed by two torpedo wakes. One torpedo struck amidships, destroying two lifeboats and killing seven crew including the second officer. U-53 then surfaced, circled the stricken vessel, and shelled her four times with her deck gun before firing a second torpedo to finish her off. The wreck sank 4 NM ESE of Ram Head, Ardmore, County Waterford.
SS Folia is a cargo vessel wreck located off Waterford, Ireland at a depth of 38 metres. The vessel was lost due to Torpedo (U-53) in 1917. The wreck is diveable.
SS Folia lies at 33 to 38 metres depth, 4 NM ESE of Ram Head, Ardmore, Co. Waterford.
SS Folia was lost due to Torpedo (U-53) on 11 March 1917 during World War I, off Waterford, Ireland. 7 people lost their lives.
Diving the SS Folia is rated advanced and is requires an Advanced Open Water certification with wreck diving experience.
The best months to dive SS Folia are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 16°C in summer.
SS Folia is accessed by boat from Dungarvan, Waterford, Ireland. A dive permit is required.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 8.5°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 9.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 10.0°C | 6.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| May | 11.5°C | 8.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jun | 13.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jul | 14.5°C | 11.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Aug | 16.0°C | 11.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Sep | 15.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Oct | 13.0°C | 7.0m | marginal | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Nov | 10.5°C | 5.0m | marginal | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 9.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
6 evidence records from 5 sources.
SS Folia: 51 52' 51.82"N, 07 41' 20.77"W per INFOMAR multibeam survey.
Possibly the best wreck dive in Ireland. Relatively light currents, average bottom visibility 9m+. Badly broken up but bow, boilers, stern with rudder and AA gun remain.
Third officer spotted periscope 150m away. One torpedo struck amidship. U-53 surfaced, circled, shelled four times, then fired second torpedo. 7 crew killed. Hans Rose commanding U-53.
Third officer spotted periscope 150m away. One torpedo struck amidship. 7 crew killed including second officer. Carrying 4,400 tons cargo including trench-digging machinery and shell cases.
Possibly the best wreck dive in Ireland. Relatively light currents, average bottom visibility 9m+. One of the largest wrecks in area within sport-diving depths. Takes several dives to appreciate. Badly broken up but bow, boilers, stern with rudder and AA gun remain.
Built 1907 by Sir J. Laing & Sons Ltd., Sunderland. Owned by Cunard S.S. C. Ltd. 131.06 x 16.02 x 7.62m. 6,705 GRT.
4 NM ESE of Ram Head, Ardmore, Co. Waterford