SS Liverpool

SS Liverpool (Pic: Ian Legge)

It was the Isle of Man’s diving equivalent of the California gold rush. The wreck of the SS Liverpool was only located in 1996 and became an instant hit. Quickly the ‘secret’ location spread among the island’s diving community and beyond, and everyone simply had to dive it. Even today, it remains the island’s top wreck location, and with good reason. Location, location, location… the Isle of Man’s superb underwater visibility is at its best in the area around the south of the island. Strong tides restrict diving to slack water times, but also bring the life and energy that give spectacular clean colours to this wreck. And, at 40m to the sea bed, it’s within reach of the experienced diver – it’s a relatively easy 40m due to the bright, clear underwater conditions and the large size of the wreck, not to mention the absence of lines and netting.

The SS Liverpool was built in 1892 and weighed close to 700 tonnes. Often used for transporting cattle, she was nevertheless fitted out with substantial passenger accommodation, much of which was fitted out to a high standard. On Tuesday 19 December, 1916, she left Liverpool bound for Sligo in the northwest of the Republic of Ireland with a general cargo of merchandise. All was well, with clear weather and a smooth sea, as she passed south of the Isle of Man, but at 11.30pm she struck a mine. Three crew died in the explosion. Though badly damaged and down at the bow, the ship stayed afloat and the remaining passengers and crew were able to take to the boats, then taken onto the SS Ruby which arrived at the scene shortly afterwards. The Ruby attempted to tow the stricken vessel stern-first, but eventually the weather worsened – the SS Liverpool started to list and eventually sank.

Today, the Liverpool is in pretty good condition at the stern, which is large and impressive, but the condition of the wreck deteriorates as you move forward and the bow is now flattened debris close to the sea bed. Most dives tend to start at the stern, as this shows most markedly on the sounder and is the best shot-line target.

The shallowest point of the wreck is the remains of the steering gear on the rudder post right at the stern, which is covered with white plumose anemones and soft corals. It’s worth dropping down the stern to the sea bed to see the spectacular propeller and rudder still in place. Moving forward, the ship’s hull is largely broken, and the huge steam engine and twin boilers are exposed within a mass of pipes and girders.

An impressive number of shoaling bib and pollack, including some bulky specimens, can be seen in among this structure. Both around and forward of the engines and boilers you will find fairly low-lying scattered wreckage, home to congers, ling, lobsters and crabs. With profuse static life covering this wreckage and lying on a firm light sandy sea bed, this is a bright and colourful location which is a winner for both wreck and marine-life enthusiasts.

When to dive 54° 00.362 N 004° 33.375 W

The slack-water window is normally LW to LW plus one hour. A less favourable corresponding slack also occurs around HW, for which you need to add 4m to your depth. The nearest harbour is Port St Mary’s (nine miles away) and Port Erin (11 miles away), both of which offer good launching and good second-dive possibilities. Good historical and diving information on all Manx wrecks can be found in Shipwrecks of the Isle of Man by Adrian Corkill – ISBN 0752426982, www.iomshipwrecks.com.