The Ocean Sands Hotel has been instrumental in bringing Ireland’s first artificial reef to the seabed in Killala Bay, near the hotel. This was the culmination of an innovative co-operative venture between local group Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef Ltd., the Revenue Commissioners, Mayo County Council and Sligo County Council. We are looking forward to hosting groups of divers, eager to explore this new underwater attraction.
Wednesday 18th September 2024 dawned fine and bright, giving a glorious send off to the smuggling boat the MV Shingle. Surrounded by spectator craft of all shapes and sizes, the 60m steel hulled cargo ship sank to its final destination on the seabed in Killala Bay where it is set to become a magnet for the diving fraternity from far and wide.
All summer long the Killala Bay Ships 2 Reef group has waited in vain for a suitable weather window to tow the MV Shingle from New Ross where she had been prepared for her new life as an artificial reef. Finally, an early autumn Indian summer produced the required conditions and they literally could not have been more perfect. Everything went without a hitch.
Representatives from all the organisations involved were on hand in Enniscrone to see the sinking first hand, monitored by a Garda patrol RIB. Perfect conditions with a calm blue sea under a cloudless sky felt more like the Mediterranean than the west of Ireland. Although slow in the initial stages as the MV Shingle seemed determined to stay afloat, the final stage of sinking was both speedy and dramatic as she disappeared from sight leaving bubbling seawater in her wake. Fountains of sea spray rained down on the nearby boats as a huge cheer marked the occasion.
The event was livestreamed here at he Ocean Sands Hotel and a countdown to the final moments by MC Angelina Nugent added theatre to the occasion for the watching crowds. It was also broadcast live on YouTube so thousands around the world could be part of the event.
Both Mayo and Sligo County Councils see huge tourism potential for the new artificial reef and look forward to reaping the benefits. Divers were quick to check out the new reef with videos appearing on social media just hours after the sinking. They showed that the event had indeed been perfectly organised as the MV Shingle is clearly sitting perfectly straight in her watery grave!
