Irish Wrecks On-Line - Illyrian SS (No. 542)

*Vessel Type:*	4 masted Steamer	*Location:*	Co. Cork
*Date of Loss:*	15th May 1884	*Place:*	Cape Clear
*Cause of Loss:*	Struck rocks	*Boat Dive from:*	Schull
*Charted Depth:*	8 - 22m	*Irish O.S. Map:*	Discovery Series No. 88
*Height of Wreck:*	Scattered	*Admiralty Chart No:*	2184
*Hull Material:*	Iron	*Latitude:*	51 26 10 North
*Type of Seabed:*	Rocks & kelp	*Longitude:*	09 28 42 West
*Average Visibility:*	10 - 15m	*Diving Experience:*	Experienced Novice

No image listed.

Diving Information:

Lies about 1km East of South Harbour below the old lighthouse.
Chains and anchors can be seen at 8m.
The intact boilers and iron plates are at 22m.
Note! A permit is needed to dive this wreck.

Historical Information:

A Leyland single screw steamer, she was built at Belfast by Harland & Wolff in 1867 and grossed 2,967 tons and measured 390 x 37.2ft.
She was powered by a 2 cylinder compound steam engine.
While bound Liverpool for Boston in thick fog with passengers, wool, whiskey and brandy, she struck the cliffs.
A 16ft. section of rock fell on her, and she heeled over and sank.
Due to her age the ship was not insured, but her cargo was.
A large part of her cargo was salvaged by Cork diver Mr. Barry of Togher.
Commanded by Captain Farqueson.
The 68 crew all got off safely.

Source Publications:

"Dictionary of Disasters at Sea during the Age of Steam 1824 - 1962"

by
Charles Hocking

London Stamp Exchange 1989 - ISBN: 0948130474

"Irish Wrecks Database"

by
Roy Stokes & Liam Dowling

"Shipwreck Index of Ireland"

by
Richard & Bridget Larn

Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2002 - ISBN: 1900839970

"Shipwrecks of the Irish Coast 1105 - 1993"

by
Edward J. Bourke

Edward J. Bourke 1994 - ISBN: 0952302705

"Underwater Ireland Guide to Irish Dive Sites"

by
Irish Underwater Council

CFT 1999 - ISBN: 0948283025

Other Sources:

Diveireland

-
Internet site (2000)

Last update - 05-Dec-2005