Site Name: SS Seniority - Outer Hebrides

The SS Seniority started life as the Empire Boswell, a 2,898 grt cargo ship built by William Gray & Co Ltd, West Hartlepool. She was launched on 2nd June 1942 and was completed in August 1942. The ship was 96.11 m long, with a beam of 14.15 m and a depth of 7.01 m. She had a triple expansion steam engine, built by the Central Marine Engine Works, West Hartlepool. She was initially operated under the management of Currie Line Ltd. She was a member of a number of convoys during WW2, frequently crossing the Atlantic. She was sold in 1947 to Aviation & Shipping Co Ltd and renamed Aviswell. The Aviswell was operated under the management of Purvis Shipping Co Ltd, London, and was sold again in 1949 to F T Everard & Son Ltd when she was renamed Seniority.

She ran aground on 7 November 1950 at Leinish Point, Brevig Bay, Barra. She was refloated but sank off Bo Vich Chuan Rock on the night of 8th-9th November 1950.

The wreckage of the SS Seniority lies spread north/south over the seabed in Brevig Bay. The bow section rises impressively on the south end of the wreck. Another key feature is the winch and hefty anchor chain looped over the wreckage near the bow. Two huge boilers rise four metres out of the seabed - these are very impressive. The third boiler is mostly buried in the sand. Fixtures and fittings such as a toilet and shower room, still with tiles, are visible. 

There is a lot of maerl at this site. Most of the wreckage is encrusted with soft corals and sponges, making for a colourful dive. Many types of starfish and anemone can be seen at this site, and fish include wrasse and poor man's cod.

Visibility is often excellent at this site.

The wreck of the SS Seniority can be dived at any time of the tide.