Cargo vessel · 1928–1944 · Donegal, Ireland

SS Pinto

Also known as MV Pinto.

Ninety seconds. That was all the time between the torpedo impact and the Pinto disappearing beneath the Atlantic. She was doing what rescue ships do -- stationary, picking survivors from the water after U-482 had torpedoed the SS Empire Heritage just 30 minutes earlier. The same U-boat fired again, and the 1,346 GRT convoy rescue ship sank almost instantly.

Captain Lawrence Boggs, M.B.E., was among the dead. Built in 1928 and converted for rescue service in May 1942, the Pinto had sailed with 10 convoys before her loss on 8 September 1944 while stationed with Convoy HX 305. The wreck at approximately 66 metres lies near the Empire Heritage wreck site, north-northeast of Tory Island.

StatusWar grave
Type
Cargo vesselBritish
Year built
1928
Lost
September 8th, 1944Torpedo
Tonnage
1,346 GRTmotor
Depth
66 m
Location
Donegal, IrelandInner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland

1 of 6 facts above is cited in Sources below.

Deeper than 167 of the 185 wrecks on the map with a recorded depth.

History and LossLost September 8th, 1944 · Torpedo · World War II · Donegal, Ireland.

Torpedoed by U-482 while rescuing survivors from SS Empire Heritage, which had been torpedoed 30 minutes earlier. Sank in 90 seconds. Captain Lawrence Boggs, M.B.E., among the dead. Entered rescue service 12 May 1942 and sailed with 10 convoys.

Was stationed with Convoy HX 305 when torpedoed while stationary picking up Empire Heritage survivors.

Built 1928; 16 years in service, also recorded as MV Pinto. Lost September 8th, 1944, torpedo during World War II.

Condition of the Wreckin 66–66 m.

Notable Features

  • Sunk while rescuing survivors from SS Empire Heritage
  • Convoy rescue ship — sailed with 10 convoys
  • Sank in only 90 seconds
  • Captain Boggs M.B.E. among the dead
  • Lies near Empire Heritage wreck

Regulations and RestrictionsWar grave.

This is a war grave, where human remains may be present.

Additional Details12 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.

Nationality
British
Flag
United Kingdom
Propulsion
Motor
Loss date
September 8th, 1944
Conflict / event
World War II
Latitude
55.54° N
Longitude
7.72° W
Water body
Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
Protection regime
Not designated under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 (Designation of Vessels and Controlled Sites) Order 2026 (SI 2026/286), and not old enough for the automatic protection the National Monuments Acts 1930-2014 give wrecks over 100 years old in Irish waters.
War grave
Yes
Protected
No
Permit required
No

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.

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 Pinto?

SS Pinto is the wreck of a cargo vessel, off Donegal, Ireland, at 66 metres. SS Pinto was torpedoed in 1944.

How deep is the SS Pinto?

SS Pinto lies at approximately 66 metres, North-northeast of Tory Island, near the Empire Heritage wreck site.

How did the SS Pinto sink?

SS Pinto was torpedoed on September 8th, 1944 during World War II, off Donegal, Ireland.

Is the SS Pinto protected?

Yes. SS Pinto is recorded as a war grave.