Also known as: W.M. Barkley, WM Barkley, William M Barkley
Barrels of Guinness saved their lives. When the SS W.M. Barkley -- the first vessel of the famous Guinness fleet -- was torpedoed by UC-75 on 12 October 1917, she broke in two and sank within minutes just seven miles east of the Kish Lightship. Five crew died including the captain. But eight survivors escaped in an open lifeboat, buoyed by floating hogshead barrels of stout from the breached cargo hold. Built in 1898 and sold to Guinness in 1913, the 569 GRT vessel was also the first Irish merchant ship defensively armed with guns against submarine attack during WWI. The wreck lies at approximately 55 metres about 16 miles east of Dublin Port. A historically significant wreck connecting Dublin's brewing heritage with the submarine warfare of the Great War.
On 12 October 1917, the SS W.M. Barkley departed Dublin Port carrying a cargo of Guinness stout in hogshead barrels bound for Liverpool. Approximately seven miles east of the Kish Lightship, she was torpedoed without warning by UC-75. The ship broke in two within minutes and sank rapidly. Five crew members were killed including the captain. Eight survivors managed to escape in an open lifeboat. The floating barrels of stout from the breached cargo hold assisted the survivors in reaching safety.
SS W.M. Barkley is a cargo vessel wreck located off Dublin, Ireland at a depth of 55 metres. The vessel was lost due to torpedo in 1917. The wreck is diveable.
SS W.M. Barkley lies at 30 to 55 metres depth, 7 miles east of Kish Lightship, off Dublin Bay.
SS W.M. Barkley was torpedoed on 12 October 1917 during World War I, off Dublin, Ireland. 5 people lost their lives.
Diving the SS W.M. Barkley is rated advanced and is requires an Advanced Open Water certification with wreck diving experience.
The best months to dive SS W.M. Barkley are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 15°C in summer.
SS W.M. Barkley is accessed by boat from Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.5°C | 3.0m | poor | approximate |
| Feb | 8.0°C | 3.0m | poor | approximate |
| Mar | 8.5°C | 4.0m | fair | increasing |
| Apr | 9.0°C | 5.0m | fair | moderate |
| May | 10.0°C | 6.0m | good | good |
| Jun | 12.0°C | 7.0m | good | good |
| Jul | 14.0°C | 8.0m | good | good |
| Aug | 15.0°C | 8.0m | good | good |
| Sep | 14.0°C | 6.0m | good | good |
| Oct | 12.5°C | 4.0m | fair | moderate |
| Nov | 10.5°C | 3.0m | poor | approximate |
| Dec | 9.5°C | 3.0m | poor | approximate |
5 evidence records from 5 sources.
The remains of the W.M. Barkley now rest on the seafloor about 16 miles east of Dublin Port, at a depth of about 180 feet.
Torpedoed by UC-75 on 12 October 1917. Ship broke in two within minutes. 5 crew including captain lost.
Torpedoed by UC-75 on 12 October 1917 near Kish Lightship. Broke in two, 5 killed. Floating Guinness barrels aided survivors.
569 GRT. Built 1898 Ailsa Shipping Troon. Sold to Guinness 1913. First Irish merchant ship defensively armed in WWI.
7 miles east of Kish Lightship, off Dublin Bay