Misadventure, Minefields and U-boats – the deep wrecks of Donegal A Eurotek 2010 presentation by Barry McGill & Ian Lawler Barry McGill Speaker profile >> Ian Lawler speaker profile >>

Control of the seaways off Donegal was vital in both world wars and they were scene of many tragedies resulting from that struggle. Many of the most spectacular shipwrecks have already been well documented but it is the lesser known but no less important wrecks and how they sank that is the focus of this talk.

These include the Armed Merchant Cruisers that enforced the Northern Blockade in both wars, two of which disappeared in the winter of 1914/1915 with the loss of all hands and whose fate is still the subject of much debate. The escorts that tried to safely shepherd men and materiel through these dangerous waters such as HMS Curacoa, mown down by the Queen Mary, an extremely challenging dive in over 120m is also featured.

Barry McGill has been photographing these wrecks over the past four years and his stunning images will form the backdrop to the history of their loss and contemporary photography of the ships provided by diver turned historian Ian Lawler.


Stern of HMS Audacious Photo by Barry McGill

Bow of RMS Carinthia Photo by Barry McGill

Diver inside wreck Photo by Barry McGill