Cargo vessel · 1890–1902 · Dublin, Ireland

SS Marlay

Beneath the boilers, conger eels the size of your arm wait in the darkness. This 800-ton steel collier, built in Belfast in 1890, sank in a December 1902 storm when heavy seas breached the hatches on her coal holds. Fifteen of 16 crew perished. She lies on her side at 25-35 metres, hull fairly intact, approximately 5.8 kilometres northwest of the Baily Lighthouse on Howth Head.

Three boilers show at low tide. Lobsters, crabs, whiting, and bib populate the wreck alongside the resident congers. Care is needed around holes in the hull -- accidental entry is a real risk.

Type
Cargo vessel
Year built
1890Belfast
Lost
December 1902Foundering (storm)
Casualties
15
Tonnage
800 GRTsteam turbine
Length
61 m
Depth
25–35 m
Location
Dublin, IrelandIrish Sea

5 of 8 facts above are cited in Sources below.

Deeper than 114 of the 185 wrecks on the map with a recorded depth.

  • Depth: 35 m shown; range in sources 27–35 m. Other published figures exist (why sources disagree).

History and LossLost December 1902 · Foundering (storm) · Dublin, Ireland.

In December 1902, the SS Marlay was caught in a severe storm in the Irish Sea. Heavy seas breached the hatches covering her coal holds, flooding the ship. She sank approximately 4 km east of Howth Head in Dublin Bay. Only 1 of the 16 crew survived — the remaining 15 men were lost with the ship.

Built 1890 by Belfast; 12 years in service. Lost December 1902, Foundering (storm).

15lives lost on December 1902.

Condition of the WreckLargely intact, lying On side, in 25–35 m.

Intactness

Lies on her side with the hull fairly intact. Three large boilers are prominent features and show at low tide. Numerous holes in the wreck structure create a risk of accidental entry. Strings of storm-damaged lobster pots are entangled throughout.

The wreck is heavily colonised by marine life.

Notable Features

  • Hull on its side, fairly intact
  • Three boilers visible at low tide
  • Large conger eels beneath boilers
  • Lobsters, crabs, whiting, bib throughout wreck
  • Storm-damaged lobster pots entangled
  • Dark conditions with poor visibility typical
  • Crosses Dublin Port shipping lane to reach site
  • 15 of 16 crew lost

Regulations and Restrictions

Protected wreck (over 100 years old) under the National Monuments Acts (National Monuments Service).

Additional Details11 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.

Builder
Belfast
Propulsion
Steam turbine
Loss date
December 1902
Latitude
53.39° N
Longitude
5.98° W
Water body
Irish Sea
War grave
No
Protected
No
Permit required
No
Condition
Largely intact
Orientation
On side

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

  • INFOMAR Shipwrecks © Geological Survey Ireland and Marine Institute. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
  • © Government of Ireland. National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

A further 3 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 Marlay?

SS Marlay is the wreck of a cargo vessel, off Dublin, Ireland, at 35 metres. SS Marlay foundered in 1902.

How deep is the SS Marlay?

SS Marlay lies at 25 to 35 metres, ~5.8 km NW of Baily Lighthouse, Howth.

How did the SS Marlay sink?

SS Marlay foundered on December 1902, off Dublin, Ireland. 15 people lost their lives.

Is the SS Marlay protected?

Yes. SS Marlay is protected: protected wreck (over 100 years old) under the National Monuments Acts (National Monuments Service).