Wreck-Diving.org

The Sante (commonly known as Santo) was a 128 ft 217 ton steam powered bucket dredger. Her maiden voyage was to be a trip from the west coast of Scotland to the Island of Formosa (now known as Taiwan) which was then part of Japanese territory. While on her way in December 1900 a gale forced the captain to head for Cork Harbour and on Christmas Day she sank, five of her crew were rescued form a life boat but the rest were drowned. The wreck of the Santo lies in 28M (depending on tide) to the south east of Roche’s point. The line of buckets can clearly be seen on the sea bed stretching away from a large wheel. There are large holes in her boiler and looking through there it is possible to inspect the many fish that have made this interesting wreck their home. The boiler and the anchor are also main focal points of the wreck. This is a highly recommended dive with lots to see and at a depth that allows the diver reasonable bottom time.