Scattered in a zig-zag pattern across a shelving slope from 6 to 36 metres, the remains of the SS Iberian tell the story of an 1885 grounding that all 53 crew survived. This iron cargo steamship of 2,930 GRT, built in 1867 with compound inverted engines of 350 HP, was carrying cattle from Boston to Liverpool for F. Leyland & Co. when thick fog delivered her onto rocks half a mile south-west of Bird Island in Dunmanus Bay. The captain and crew escaped in four boats -- three landed on Bird Island rocks, the fourth was swept away but later found with everyone alive. The wreck is broken into multiple sections; the iron propeller remains intact at 30-38 metres. Featured in Divernet Wreck Tour No. 42, the site is accessed from Schull or Crookhaven with no significant currents.
On the early morning of 21 November 1885, the Iberian, carrying cattle from Boston to Liverpool, ran onto rocks half a mile south-west of Bird Island near Mizen Head in thick fog. The captain and crew of 53 took to four boats. Three boats landed without difficulty on the rocks of Bird Island, while the fourth was swept away but was later found without any loss of life. The vessel subsequently slipped back off the rocks and broke up on the shelving seabed.
SS Iberian is a cargo vessel wreck located off Cork, Ireland at a depth of 36 metres. The vessel was lost due to grounding in 1885. The wreck is diveable.
SS Iberian lies at 6 to 36 metres depth, Half a mile south-west of Bird Island, Dunmanus Bay, near Mizen Head.
SS Iberian ran aground on 21 November 1885, off Cork, Ireland. 0 people lost their lives.
Diving the SS Iberian is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent.
The best months to dive SS Iberian are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 9°C in winter to 16°C in summer.
SS Iberian is accessed by boat from Schull, Cork, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9.0°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 9.0°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 9.5°C | 7.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 10.5°C | 8.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| May | 12.0°C | 10.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jun | 13.5°C | 12.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jul | 15.0°C | 14.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Aug | 16.0°C | 14.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Sep | 15.0°C | 12.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Oct | 13.0°C | 9.0m | marginal | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Nov | 11.0°C | 7.0m | marginal | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 10.0°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
6 evidence records from 5 sources.
Wreck scattered across slope from 6m to 36m near Bird Island, Dunmanus Bay.
Wreck has broken into multiple sections that have become zig-zagged across the slope from 6m to 36m. Parts of the hull and iron propeller remain intact at 30-38m.
2930 tons, 390 x 37.2 x 29.3 feet. Compound inverted engines 350 HP. Cargo: cattle. Sank in thick fog half a mile west of Bird Island, Dunmanus Bay. Crew of 54 saved in boats.
Owned by F. Leyland & Co. Struck rocks in Dunmanus Bay in thick fog. Broken into sections from 6m to 36m.
SS Iberian, 2930 GRT, iron steamship built 1867. 390 x 37.2 x 29.3 feet, compound inverted engines 350 HP. Owned by F. Leyland & Co. Wrecked 21 November 1885 at Bird Island, Dunmanus Bay. Crew of 53 all saved.
SS Iberian dive site in Dunmanus Bay, accessible from Schull or Crookhaven.
Half a mile south-west of Bird Island, Dunmanus Bay, near Mizen Head