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. A deep technical dive requiring trimix, in remote open Atlantic conditions.
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.
SS Pinto is a cargo vessel wreck located off Donegal, Ireland at a depth of 66 metres. The vessel was lost due to torpedo in 1944. The wreck is diveable.
SS Pinto lies at approximately 66 metres depth, North-northeast of Tory Island, near the Empire Heritage wreck site.
SS Pinto was torpedoed on 8 September 1944 during World War II, off Donegal, Ireland.
Diving the SS Pinto is rated technical and is requires technical diving qualifications including decompression procedures. Recommended: Advanced trimix diver.
The best months to dive SS Pinto are June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 14°C in summer.
SS Pinto is accessed by boat from Malin Head, Donegal, Ireland. The wreck is a designated war grave.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 8.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 8.5°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 9.5°C | 7.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| May | 10.5°C | 9.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| Jun | 12.0°C | 14.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jul | 13.0°C | 18.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Aug | 14.0°C | 18.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Sep | 13.0°C | 14.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Oct | 11.0°C | 7.0m | poor | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| Nov | 9.5°C | 6.0m | marginal | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 8.5°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
3 evidence records from 3 sources.
SS Pinto at 218 ft (66m). Listed among Malin Head area technical dive sites near Empire Heritage.
Torpedoed by U-482 on 8 September 1944 while rescuing Empire Heritage survivors. Sank in 90 seconds. Captain Boggs M.B.E. among dead. Entered rescue service 12 May 1942, sailed 10 convoys.
SS Pinto convoy rescue ship among the wreck dive sites off Malin Head, Donegal.
North-northeast of Tory Island, near the Empire Heritage wreck site