Cargo vessel · 1860–1893 · Mayo, Ireland

SS Thames

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.

Type
Cargo vessel
Year built
1860
Lost
March 5th, 1893Grounding
Casualties
0
Tonnage
295 GRT
Depth
24 m
Location
Mayo, IrelandAtlantic Ocean

1 of 7 facts above is cited in Sources below.

Deeper than 65 of the 185 wrecks on the map with a recorded depth.

History and LossLost March 5th, 1893 · Grounding · Mayo, Ireland.

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.

Built 1860; 33 years in service. Lost March 5th, 1893, Grounding.

0lives lost on March 5th, 1893.

The Voyage

Last voyage
London to Sligo
Destination
Sligo
Cargo
Guano

Condition of the Wreckin 24–24 m.

Intactness

Condition not fully documented in available sources. The wreck was discovered at 24m (13 fathoms) on St. Patrick's Rock by Castlebar Sub-Aqua Club in 1984. Given the age of the wreck (1893) and the exposed Killala Bay location, significant deterioration is expected.

Notable Features

  • Victorian-era (1860) cargo steamer
  • Guano cargo from London to Sligo
  • Rediscovered by Castlebar SAC on 14 September 1984
  • St. Patrick's Rock off Kilcummin Head
  • Near MV Shingle artificial reef in Killala Bay
  • All 12 crew survived

Regulations and Restrictions

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

Additional Details7 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.

Loss date
March 5th, 1893
Latitude
54.26° N
Longitude
9.13° W
Water body
Atlantic Ocean
War grave
No
Protected
No
Permit required
No

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

  • © Government of Ireland. National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Licences and credits for the open data used on this site are on the Attribution page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SS Thames?

SS Thames is the wreck of a cargo vessel, off Mayo, Ireland, at 24 metres. SS Thames ran aground and was wrecked in 1893.

How deep is the SS Thames?

SS Thames lies at approximately 24 metres, St. Patrick's Rock, off Kilcummin Head, Killala Bay.

How did the SS Thames sink?

SS Thames ran aground and was wrecked on March 5th, 1893, off Mayo, Ireland. No lives were lost.

Is the SS Thames protected?

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