My partner and I dove the Empress of Ireland last Sept 2001
Our max depths were 135 ft 1st dive and 145 ft 2nd dive.
We dove trimix since I get narc'd below 125 ft.
The visibility was terrible, 6-8 feet, we made no attempt to penetrate the wreck. Current on the wreck is mild and easily swimable, depending on the tide.
The down line is attached to a porthole at 85 feet about 1/3 theway back (where the superstructure would start). The super structure is completely gone. The decks are intact. Our first dive was to the bow section, over the letters down the keel to mid ships, then back up to the rail and forward to the down line.
Bottom time 25 minutes, 35 minutes decompression.
2nd dive down the line, down the deck to the gravel, (145 feet) then worked our way towards the stern, turn point at 15 minutes, ascended up the deck to the rail at 85 feet, followed it forward to the down line at 25 minutes. About 20-30 feet aft of the down line is a large hole, in the side hull, this was blown for salvage purposed. Access into the inner forward kitchen compartments can be made from here. we made a quick look inside the hole, but visibility was poor and our time limit prevented further exploration.
We dove with 50 and 75 watt cannister lights, twin 98's trimix back gas and an 80 aluminum with EAN 50 decogas, and Argon suit gas, water temp. is about 4°C
Mike D