A New Zealand-owned ship, requisitioned by Britain, torpedoed by Germany, resting off Ireland. The SS Roscommon was an 8,238 GRT cargo steamship built in 1902 by Workman, Clark & Co. in Belfast for the Union Steamship Co. of New Zealand. Taken up under the Liner Requisition Scheme during World War I, she was intercepted by U-53 under Kapitanleutnant Hans Rose on 21 August 1917 while on voyage from Manchester to Australia, approximately 20 miles northeast of Tory Island. No casualties were reported. At 76 metres, this is one of the deeper Malin Head technical dives. A rebreather is the weapon of choice and trimix is mandatory. Mevagh Dive Centre in Carrigart is the specialist operator for the area.
On 21 August 1917, the Roscommon was on voyage from Manchester to Australia with general cargo as part of a convoy that had called at Lough Swilly on 20-21 August. She was torpedoed by U-53 (Kapitanleutnant Hans Rose) approximately 20 miles NE of Tory Island after U-boats intercepted the convoy off the Donegal coast. No casualties were reported. The Roscommon was under the Liner Requisition Scheme at the time of loss.
SS Roscommon is a cargo vessel wreck located off Donegal, Ireland at a depth of 76 metres. The vessel was lost due to torpedo in 1917. The wreck is diveable.
SS Roscommon lies at approximately 76 metres depth, Approximately 20 miles NE of Tory Island.
SS Roscommon was torpedoed on 21 August 1917 during World War I, off Donegal, Ireland. 0 people lost their lives.
Diving the SS Roscommon is rated technical and is requires technical diving qualifications including decompression procedures. Recommended: Advanced trimix diver.
The best months to dive SS Roscommon are June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 14°C in summer.
SS Roscommon is accessed by boat from Malin Head, Donegal, Ireland.
| 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 |
6 evidence records from 6 sources.
SS Roscommon among the deep technical wrecks accessible from Malin Head.
Roscommon, British steamer 8238 tons, built 1902 Workman Clark Belfast. Owned Union Steamship Co. of New Zealand Ltd. Sunk by U-53 (Hans Rose) 21 August 1917 on voyage Manchester to Australia with general cargo, 20 miles NE of Tory Island.
U-53 sank the Union Steamship Company's 8,238 GRT cargo liner Roscommon. Convoy left Liverpool escorted on 19 August 1917, called at Lough Swilly 20-21 August, U-boats attacked the convoy off the coast of County Donegal.
SS Roscommon at 254 ft (76m). Torpedoed NE of Tory Island during WWI.
All but one of Malin Head's headline dives lie deeper than 50m. A rebreather is the weapon of choice, and trimix a must. Mevagh Dive Centre in Carrigart specialises in serving divers visiting the wrecks of Malin Head.
SS Roscommon, built 1902 by Workman Clark Belfast. Owned by Union Steamship Co. of New Zealand. Torpedoed by U-53 21 August 1917.
Approximately 20 miles NE of Tory Island