Also known as: Gascony
The Gascony presents a puzzle that rewards patient exploration. Attacked by UC-75 on 18 January 1918, this armed cargo steamer broke in two and sank the following afternoon near Selsey Bill, coming to rest upside down on the edge of the Owers — a notorious shallow bank that has claimed countless vessels over the centuries. Her inverted orientation makes navigation tricky: what should be the deck is buried, and you swim beneath the keel looking up at the hull plating. Among the scattered cargo, the wheels of army gun carriages poke through the wreckage, a reminder that she was doing war work when the torpedo found her. At 27 to 30 metres she sits in nitrox-friendly territory, though currents near the Owers demand timing. For experienced sport divers who enjoy reading a wreck's story from its remains rather than its silhouette, the Gascony delivers a satisfyingly cerebral dive.
Attacked by UC-75. Broke in two and sank on 19 January 1918 at 13:45, near Selsey Bill on the edge of the Owers. Owned by David MacIver & Sons, Liverpool. Was carrying army gun carriages among her cargo.
SS Gascony is a cargo vessel wreck located off West Sussex, United Kingdom at a depth of 30 metres. The vessel was lost due to torpedo in 1918. The wreck is diveable.
SS Gascony lies at 27 to 30 metres depth, Near Selsey Bill, on the edge of the Owers, West Sussex.
SS Gascony was torpedoed on 19 January 1918 during World War I, off West Sussex, United Kingdom.
Diving the SS Gascony 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 Deep Diver / BSAC Dive Leader.
The best months to dive SS Gascony are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 7°C in winter to 17°C in summer.
SS Gascony is accessed by boat from Selsey, West Sussex, United Kingdom.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7.0°C | 3.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 7.5°C | 3.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 8.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 9.5°C | 5.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting |
| May | 11.0°C | 6.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollack, cuttlefish, crabs |
| Jun | 13.0°C | 8.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollack, cuttlefish, crabs |
| Jul | 15.5°C | 10.0m | good | Peak — bass, bream, cuttlefish, lobster, nudibranchs |
| Aug | 17.0°C | 12.0m | good | Peak — bass, bream, cuttlefish, lobster, nudibranchs |
| Sep | 16.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollack, cuttlefish, crabs |
| Oct | 13.5°C | 6.0m | marginal | Good — wrasse, pollack |
| Nov | 10.0°C | 4.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 8.0°C | 3.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
1 evidence record from 1 source.
Armed cargo steamer. Attacked by UC-75, broke in two, sank 19 January 1918. Upside down. Wheels of army gun carriages visible. Owned by David MacIver & Sons, Liverpool.