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SS Thesis

The details of this dive site are prepared from many sources of information and may not be fully accurate, although
are believed to be reasonably close by the author.

  • Name SS Thesis
  • Site Name Thesis Diving
  • Type Wreck
  • NM PDC 13 Longitude 05° 41´ 486
  • Latitude 56° 29´ 920
  • Depth Bow 21 mtrs
  • Depth Stern 32 mtrs
  • Loss Year 1889
  • Depth Bow Deck 16 mtrs
  • Depth Stern Deck 28 mtrs
  • Build Year 1887
  • Length 167 ft
  • Beam 25 ft
  • Build Location Belfast
  • RIB Travel PDC 13.65Nm
  • Loss Reason Ran Aground
  • Tonnage 500 gross

Optimum Dive States: Middle four hours of a flooding tide.


Recommended Minimum Qualification: Sea dive experience to 24 metres or Instructional

Important Ancillary Equipment: Primary Torch, SMB, Reel, Secondary Torch


Description: Unclear as to the true cause of the sinking of the Thesis. Reportedly ran aground on a reef at Innimore point. Captain Wallace and his crew of 11 made it ashore at Craignure on Mull side of the sound. Cargo of
pre-nuclear pig iron, with its low background radiation levels, has undergone much salvage. The bow plates of the hull have been blasted, or fallen, away exposing the ribs of the ship, and allowing much of the interior to be viewed
from without the wreck.


Transit Location: Looking on a bearing of 150 degrees toward the Lismore light the building behind should be just
fully visible to the left of the light. Looking on a bearing of 213 degrees (to the right of Craignure pier) the right hand edge of the left hand brown gas container should be in line with the centre of the white cottage.


Bow Direction Facing: East


Wreck Condition: Largely intact although bow plates are no longer in position. Much of superstructure removed
also.


Popular Route: Descend down the shot line to land on the deck close to the bow. Drop over the starboard side noting debris of plate sections removed from the hull. Starting to move toward the stern the ribs of the ship become exposed. Enter the wreck through the largest of the openings close by the sea bed. The chain locker is distinct toward bow. Swim down the starboard side of the interior and swim-through into the second hold. Emerge onto the deck and continue down the starboard side noting exposed condenser and other engine parts. Drop into the next hold crossing to the rear at on the port side where it is possible to swim through into the final hold. Swim out and drop over the stern down toward the rudder all covered in encrusting life. Swim up port side of the wreck noting the covering of life. Anchor can be found 6 metres off perpendicular to the port side of the wreck, level with bow. Either return to wreck to conclude or swim slowly up the shore noting diversity of life. Kelp line at 10 metres.

Areas of Interest: Open bow section is very accessible and covered in encrusting life.


Silt Hazard: Only inside the wreck with heavy silt requiring effort to disturb

Orientation: Bow directly facing the shore with stern in deepest part of C.32m


Penetration Available: Possible to swim through all of wreck.


Sea Bed Type & Condition: Heavy sand and shale, very reflective giving good light and photo opportunities


Sea Life Usually Abundant: Cuckoo, Ballan, usually in abundance. Conger and Pollack


Sea Life Expected: Edible crabs, Lobster, Blenny,


Sea Life Possible: Dolphin, Seal


Shot Line Usually Located: Back from bow about 5 metres on the port side.