Undiscovered for over 90 years. The 295-ton London cargo steamer SS Thames struck St. Patrick's Rock off Kilcummin Head in fog on 5 March 1893 while carrying guano from London to Sligo. She backed off the rock into deeper water and sank at 24 metres. All 12 crew were saved. The wreck then vanished from memory until 14 September 1984, when Castlebar Sub-Aqua Club located her at the very same rock. Built in 1860, this Victorian-era steamer and her cargo represent a snapshot of 19th-century coastal trade along the Irish west coast. An intermediate boat dive in the sheltered waters of Killala Bay, now joined by the nearby MV Shingle artificial reef.
On 5 March 1893, the 295-ton London steamer SS Thames was sailing from London to Sligo carrying a cargo of guano when she struck St. Patrick's Rock off Kilcummin Head in thick fog. The vessel backed off the rock into deeper water and sank in 13 fathoms (24m). All 12 crew were rescued. The wreck lay undetected for over 90 years until Castlebar Sub-Aqua Club discovered it on 14 September 1984 at the same rock.
SS Thames is a cargo vessel wreck located off Mayo, Ireland at a depth of 24 metres. The vessel was lost due to Grounding in 1893. The wreck is diveable.
SS Thames lies at approximately 24 metres depth, St. Patrick's Rock, off Kilcummin Head, Killala Bay.
SS Thames ran aground on 5 March 1893, off Mayo, Ireland. 0 people lost their lives.
Diving the SS Thames is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent.
The best months to dive SS Thames are June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 14°C in summer.
SS Thames is accessed by boat from Killala, Mayo, 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 | 12.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jul | 13.0°C | 14.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Aug | 14.0°C | 14.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Sep | 13.0°C | 12.0m | 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 |
4 evidence records from 2 sources.
SS Thames at St. Patrick's Rock, 13 fathoms (24m). Rediscovered by Castlebar Sub-Aqua Club 14 September 1984.
Rediscovered by Castlebar Sub Aqua Club on 14 September 1984 at 13 fathoms (24m) on St. Patrick's Rock.
SS Thames, 295-ton London steamer built 1860. Struck St. Patrick's Rock off Kilcummin Head in fog, 5 March 1893. Carrying guano from London to Sligo. Backed off rock, sank in 13 fathoms. All 12 crew saved. Rediscovered by Castlebar SAC 14 September 1984.
SS Thames, 295-ton London steamer. Struck St. Patrick's Rock off Kilcummin Head in fog, 5 March 1893. Carrying guano from London to Sligo. All 12 crew saved.
St. Patrick's Rock, off Kilcummin Head, Killala Bay