portland harbour wrecks

Commercial dive boats and club boats launching from harbour. For a great review and drawing of the Landing Craft and Bombardon Unit, dont miss the article in the January 2014 issue of Diver magazine by John Liddiard and Max Ellis. This British armed tug was sunk by accident while towing a target in August 1946 and now lies on a shingle seabed uprights and intact. The Countess of Erne is probably the most popular dive-site in Portland Harbour. British steamship, torpedoed and sunk July 1917, fifteen miles SW of Portland Bill. She lies broken but is a good dive and can be clearly made out as a submarine. Chequered Fort (18m). In September 2022, a project costing 26m for a deep-water berth upgrade was due to begin, intended to be completed by May 2023. Can be very prolific sea life. The 6-inch gun was removed in 1924 and in 1934 two 12-pounder guns were transferred across from the recently decommissioned B Pier Head. WebHarbour Wrecks Easily accessibly via Dive Boats shuttling out of Portland Marina and Castletown these wrecks are shallower than 20m and can be dived on all state of tides. [11] As a measure against submarine attack, the battleship HMS Hood was scuttled across the harbour's southern entrance in 1914. [25], The Ministry of Defence continued to invest in HMNB Portland until the late 1980s; however in 1991 the closure was announced of both the naval base and the research establishments on Portland as part of defence spending cuts following the end of the Cold War. Hood was laid down at Chatham Dockyard on 12 August 1889 and was launched on 30 July 1891, the Viscountess Hood christening her. This passenger liner Paddle steamer was later converted to a coal hulk but in 1935 broke loose from her moorings and sank against the breakwater. [18] In 1902, additional defences were constructed, including Upton Fort at Osmington and Blacknor Fort on the western side of Portland. One of the few large wrecks on the East side of the bill. [17], Captain Alvin Coote Corry was appointed in command of Hood in December 1898. There are large chains on her. Eight water-tube boilers provided steam to the engines, which produced a maximum of 11,000 indicated horsepower (8,200kW) when forced. Slack water is +1/2 hours HW Portland or -4 Hours HW Portland. If you want to shore dive instead, check out our guide to Chesil Cove. There are items of unexploded ammunition on her including depth charges. This 1120 ton Norwegian cargo vessel was torpedoed and sunk in March 1919. WebOn 4 November 1914 Hood was scuttled in Portland harbour to block the Southern Ship Channel, a potential access route for U-boats or for torpedoes fired from outside the harbour. Features include an easily The liberation of Europe in 1945 was marked by a local ceremony in August that year, with the American Ambassador John D. Winant unveiling a stone in Victoria Gardens commemorating the harbour's efforts. She also was fitted with a plough-shaped underwater ram. In the 20th century, Portland became increasingly renowned for its training and research facilities. she became a total loss. [18] She participated in combined exercises with the Channel Squadron and the Cruiser Squadron off the coasts of Cephalonia and Morea in late 1902. At times this area is used to conduct training deep dives that require a depth deeper than 18 metres. Countess of Erne (7 to 15m). read more Shore Diving Portland offers one of the best shore on the South Coast with Chesil Cove being the highlight for many pleasurable scenic dives full of marine life. The port is used by all nature of vessels from commercial ships such as bulkers, tankers, container carriers car carriers, survey and Reefers etc. [8], The ship was powered by two 3-cylinder vertical triple-expansion steam engines, each driving one propeller. The Verne Citadel, designed by Captain Crosman R.E., was built at Verne Hill between 1860-81: the 56 acre fortress was designed for 1000 troops and had gun emplacements facing seawards on three sides. The M2 is a one-of-a-kind submarine aircraft carrier which sank off Portland in 1932 during routine exercises (see panel). The exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. The battery was decommissioned in 1934. Tidal flow within the Harbour is generally anti-clockwise, sweeping away from the Fleet, through the Port area and through the South Ship Channel. Torch Recommended. This Norwegian steamer carried a cargo of coal when it was torpedoed in December 1917 and sunk. This British S class submarine sank first in 1955 with the loss of 13 men and was raised and sunk again as an underwater sonar target. One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. CARGO IRON ORE. During 1913 and 1914 she was employed as a target for underwater protection experiments and was used in secret tests of anti-torpedo bulges. WebDONATE. Has plenty of marine life and is well broken up with only the ribs and plates showing with its highest point about 2 metres off the sea bed. Aside from the training of Royal Navy ships, many ships of NATO countries also trained and frequented at the harbour. Construction of the harbour began in 1849; when completed in 1872, its 520-hectare (1,300-acre) surface area made it the largest man-made harbour in the world, and remains one of the largest in the world today. The depth of this steamship varies according to sources (if you have updates please e-mail them to us). This is on the outside of the breakwater and just around the corner from the Fort. Commercial activities on the water include specialist diving services for vessels and repairs & maintenance as well as a bunkering (fuelling) station. This 600 ton British steamship was sunk by a torpedo in 1918 while carrying a cargo of coal. Having defied an 11-month salvage attempt after its sinking, this undamaged and unique wreck has become a popular dive site in the waters of Lyme Bay. There is some sea life amid the large rocks. In April 2000 the contract was signed for a new bunkering jetty and berth, which came into service in 2005. The Portland Harbour Revision Order 2010 provides for the creation of new berths and hardstand areas at the port in order to allow increased commercial activities over the next 50 years. The top is in 36 metres of water. A major problem with the four of these guns mounted on the upper deck was that they were mounted low in the ship and were unusable at high speed or in heavy weather. The small landing craft lies beside the Breakwater wall and is almost completely intact with its landing doors closed. LOST OFF OF PORTLAND WITH ALL LIVES JANUARY 26TH 1932, ITEMS RETRIEVED FROM WRECK OF HM SUBMARINE M2. Aside from the East Weare Battery, and other related constructions, there are a number of defences built within the harbour's dockyard and surrounding area. WebPortland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. a detailed report on this accident can be read by clicking here. She finished her sea trials in May 1893[14] and was commissioned on 1 June 1893 at the cost of 926,396. Tide flow in this area can give divers a drift of up to 2 knots. Hood was used in the development of anti-torpedo bulges in 1913 and was scuttled in late 1914 to act as a blockship across the southern entrance of Portland Harbour after the start of World War I. Her highest point is 7 metres above the seabed. [7] Her assignment to the Mediterranean Fleet was delayed when she sprang a leak in her forward compartments on 7 June 1893 as a result of faulty riveting and excessive strain on the hull when she had been docked. Some 250,000 tonnes of Portland Stone was used in creating the 875m breakwater and associated reclaimed land. She is broken up and difficult to locate. HMS Hood was a modified Royal Sovereign-class pre-dreadnought battleship built for the Royal Navy in the early 1890s. [86] In addition to this a World War II pillbox, with a possible machine gun post, is located at Upper Osprey. The jetty is only a short walk from the car park and centre. She was built in the early 1880s and the conversion took place 1889. In October 2007 work commenced on a new marina and recreational boating facility. There are very few tide restrictions or currents in this area, although surf and surge may sometimes make the entry and exit points require extra care. Mined in June 1940, all that remains is the well-scattered remains of the bow section of this Britich oil tanker of 7101 tons. Fore and aft bulkheads, 1614-inch (406356mm) thick respectively, closed off the ends of the central citadel at the level of the waterline. However at 03:45 on the 4 th November 1979 she took on too much water and sank 5 miles south of St Aldhelm's Head, still 12 miles from the safety of Portland. Low freeboard had been popular for around ten years since it required less armour and made a smaller target for gunfire to hit, although it had the disadvantage that it reduced seaworthiness. This area is covered in various sizes of metal objects, most of which came from ill-fated ships driven ashore by strong winds and tides many years ago. She served most of her active career in the Mediterranean Sea, where her low freeboard was less of a disadvantage. [16] In 1892, the Verne High Angle Battery was built in a disused quarry near the Verne Citadel, but was decommissioned in 1906. Following the end of the war, Portland's role in the liberation of Europe was marked by a ceremony in August 1945, when the American Ambassador John D. Winant unveiled a stone in Victoria Gardens commemorating the passing by the spot of 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles the previous June. This is a very rewarding dive with depths ranging from 16 to 25 metres maximum. ALL THE CREW WERE SAVED. With the advent of the helicopter and its importance as an anti-submarine weapon, an airfield was formed following World War II. [56] At the end of Castletown village is the former Dockyard Police Station - also Grade II Listed. It is a must-do for any new visitor to Portland and a dive we regularly repeat ourselves over the season. [1 1] Hood's half-sisters mounted their guns exposed on top of barbettes, a much lighter arrangement that allowed their freeboard to be substantially increased. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. The squadron, which formed in February 1897, bombarded insurgent forces, put sailors and marines ashore to occupy key cities, and blockaded Crete and key ports in Greece, actions which brought organized fighting on the island to an end by late March 1897. This was intended to allow them to reach a speed of 17.5 knots (32.4km/h; 20.1mph). The stern is complete and amidship there is an engine and boiler. The second of only two Victoria Crosses awarded for action in the United Kingdom was posthumously bestowed on Jack Foreman Mantle, who died at his post on the ship. This 200 bucket dredger was used as a mine sweeper and was sunk by a mine in 1917. [49] The outer breakwater is also Grade II Listed. S.S. SANDAL ON FIRE PORTLAND HARBOUR 1907. to British and foreign naval vessels. The harbour was envisaged primarily as a coaling station for the Royal Navy, being conveniently equidistant from the Royal Navy's two principal bases at Portsmouth and Devonport;[3] however it was also where the Channel Squadron was based, newly re-formed in 1858. Royal Sovereign-class battleship of the Royal Navy scuttled in Portland Harbour, Shipwrecks and maritime incidents in 1902, Shipwrecks and maritime incidents in November 1914, Modern naval gun turrets are essentially a barbette enclosed by a rotating gunhouse, a very different concept from the older style of turret that, The completely enclosed armoured shields around the turrets were known as barbettes for some years after their introduction, but they werent barbettes as we know them today, "Conserved HMS Hood Bell Rings Out 75th Anniversary of Largest Ever Royal Navy Loss", List of pre-dreadnought battleships of the Royal Navy, Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, Bullhead Point Historical and Archeological District, Maritime Heritage Trail Battle of Saipan, List of shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai001905545/, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=HMS_Hood_(1891)&oldid=1148381342, Victorian-era battleships of the United Kingdom, World War I shipwrecks in the English Channel, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 5 April 2023, at 20:57. She is approximately 240 long and with a 29 beam she lies upright on the bottom making an excellent dive for novice and experienced alike. It was decommissioned two years later, but not before the establishment under its command of a 'listening school' to help develop hydrophone underwater listening devices and other anti-submarine measures, and to train personnel in their use. AN ACCOUNT OF THIS WRECK CAN BE READ BY CLICKING HERE. The upper strake of 4-inch (102mm) armour was 150 feet (45.7m) long and protected the ship's side between the barbette[1 2][12] Oblique bulkheads 3 inches (76mm) thick connected this strake to the armour protecting the bases of the turrets. General History Group created on November 15, 2013. She lies on a sand and broken shell sea bed. Located as it is inside the breakwater, the wreck is well-protected from wind and waves. Declared a total loss in April 1945. The wreck was discovered in 1998 some 7 miles sout of Worbarrow Tout. read more Shore Diving Portland offers one of the best shore on the South Coast with Chesil Cove being the highlight for many pleasurable scenic dives full of marine life. A British steamship of 4200 tons she was requisitioned by the government during WWI and was torpedoed and sunk on April 15, 1918 en route from London to Newfoundland with a loss of fifty lives. Going out on a bearing of 240 degrees right under slipway can be rewarding and lead to depths in excess of 17 to 18 metres. MORE PICTURES AND DETAILS OF PORTLAND SHIPWRECKS CAN BE FOUND HERE. As the Royal Navy grew in size towards the end of the 19th century, additional accommodation was required for boys' training, which saw the arrival of HMS Minotaur in 1898 and Agincourt in 1904; they were named Boscawen II and Boscawen III respectively. WebDONATE. Portland Harbour is home to several sites for wreck-dives, and STUART PHILPOTT never tires of exploring one of the most popular. [6] There was opposition against the closure from the local economy, as well as all ranks of naval personnel, who felt Portland's surrounding coast was perfect for exercising ships. This 6010 ton ship was launched in 1870 named Invincible and operated for some time as the Erebus. This 4500 ton Greek steamship was mined in November 1939 during its voyage to Antwerp. The Britannia Cruise Terminal, which was opened in July 1999 and again refurbished in 2005 has seen the likes of Royal Caribbean, Azamara, Club Cruises, Saga and Crystal Cruises use it as a start point for excursions in the wider Dorset region and beyond. WebStrong ebb currents pushing against the opposing forces of the ocean can build enormous swells in a very short time, threatening to overcome unprepared ships crossing the river bars. [6] Similar harbours of refuge would be built at Alderney, Dover, Holyhead, and later (in response to the increased naval threat from Germany) at Peterhead. [39] At the time, the Dockyard employed 'some 1,600 industrial and non-industrial staff'. ALTHOUGH FLOATED OFF THE BREAKWATER IN 1901 IT WAS EVENTUALLY WRECKED OFF THE ORKNEY ISLES ON 21st FEBRUARY 1906. Visible Anyone can find this group. SMB Required. [6], Over time, Portland was successively the base for the Channel and Home Fleets, as well as part of the Reserve Fleet, and it also served as a depot for submarines. A DETAILED HISTORY OF THIS SHIP AND ITS MISHAPS CAN BE READ BY CLICKING HERE. Enecuri | The Spaniard? [31] In July 1940, the anti-aircraft ship HMS Foylebank was attacked by Stuka dive-bombers and sank in the harbour. A purpose-built pier projecting into the harbour from the factory was used for torpedo testing and practice firing. C E HEINKE AND COs DIVING APPARATUS WAS USED IN THE SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OPERATIONS. This 380 battleship is upside down (turtle) and can be a very interesting dive. PORTLAND, Ore. A driver died after crashing on NE Marine Drive early Monday morning, according to Portland police. [61], Situated across Portland Harbour's four breakwater arms are various defensive structures and related monuments. by (club) or (commercial) dive boats with launching possible from various points including Portland Marina and a free slipway at Castletown.? The wreck's hull structure remains largely in tact and makes her one of [2] The Royal Sovereigns had reverted to a higher freeboard after several classes of low-freeboard vessel had been constructed, the last being the Trafalgar class. Two of these were mounted in the bow below the waterline, four were placed in the sides of the hull, two on each broadside, and one in the stern. She was ordered to return home in March 1900 and paid off into reserve at Chatham Dockyard on 29 April 1900. SS OKAHANDJA WENT ASHORE AT WESTCLIFF JUNE 1910. She was built in the early 1880s and the conversion took place 1889. [65][66], On the northeast breakwater, at the southern end, directly opposite the fort, is the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse. It is naturally protected by Portland to the south, Chesil Beach to the west and mainland Dorset to the north. Youll find vast information on Portland dive sites from local boat operators. [45], The Harbour was sold off by the Royal Navy in 1996 allowing it to be used as both a centre for water sports and as a service facility for Channel shipping. Shes a Greek registered bulk freighter of 14,000 tons and lies on a limestone sea bed on her port side. Coastal steamship bombed in 1940 she stands about 10 metres off the sea bed. One of the first arrivals at the new set up was a prison ship HM Prison Weare, which remained in use until 2006. In 2003 the academy was able to start redevelopment of the site. The Countess of Erne is probably the most popular dive-site in Portland Harbour. She lies on a sand and shingle sea bed. The King, Prime Minister Churchill and Free French leader Gen. de Gaulle came to see the great D-Day preparations at Portland when the harbour's activity was continuous. SHORE: Chesil Cove (day and night), the Adelaide & Nor (day), Newtons Cove (night). The gun turrets and their bases were protected by 17 inches (432mm) of armour that thinned to 16 inches (406mm) behind the oblique bulkheads. The academy was established as a not-for-profit company in 1999, and originally operated from various disused military buildings and facilities. Construction of the harbour began in 1849; when completed in 1872, its 520-hectare (1,300-acre) surface area made it the largest man-made harbour in the world, and remains one of the largest in the world today. [73] On the far end of the North Eastern Breakwater, on the Weymouth side, is the site of B Pier Head Battery. In 1944 emplacements were constructed to replace the 12-pounder guns with 6-pounders. WebA significant number of UB-40s sinkings were in Dorset waters, including the LH Carl, sunk on the same day. This small 127 ton ton motor stands 3 to 4 metres high in some areas and was carrying China clay when she sank after hitting an obstruction in September 1930. 25-32m RANGE: M2 submarine, Aeolian Sky, Binnedijk, Alex Van Opstel, St. Dunstan. The commercial port has expanded since its initial establishment; the Britannia Passenger Terminal was opened by HRH Prince Philip on 14 July 1999. Many of these are still in existence today, however are derelict and remain unopened to the public. Her highest point is at 47 metres and she is reported to be lying upside down against a high reef. THE ROCKET LINE ENABLED RESCUE OF CREW BUT THE 2ND MATE HAD A LEG AMPUTATED AND THE COOK WENT MAD AND HAD TO BE CONSTRAINED. In 1924, Portland's Anti-Submarine School (having been consolidated with similar units from HMS Vernon and HM Signal School, Portsmouth) was commissioned as HMS Osprey, becoming an independent shore command. However, despite published reports in 1996 revealing that Portland Port Ltd were interested in the renovation of historic coastal fortifications in the area, no restoration of any kind has taken place.[40]. The heavy, old-fashioned type of turrets added to the amount of weight high up in the ship compared to barbettes and decreased the ship's stability. This WWII destroyer is a war grave and was lost to German aircraft torpedo attack in June 1944 with 150 souls on board. A 3081 ton steamship that was sunk in January 1918 by a German U-boat while carrying military stores, cattle fodder and military vehicles. Going far out from the area could lead to deeper grounds with depths ranging in excess of 35 metres but sticking to shore, especially in the kelp beds, divers can see plenty of sea life, crabs and lobsters. Given the depth and limited tidal range, the predominant habitat within the Harbour is one that is truly marine. WebOn 4 November 1914 Hood was scuttled in Portland harbour to block the Southern Ship Channel, a potential access route for U-boats or for torpedoes fired from outside the harbour. [14], The ship rejoined the Mediterranean Fleet at the end of 1901, and Captain Robert Lowry was appointed in command on 1 May 1902. It measures 370 to 53 and was salvaged, is broken. It is also very accommodating to recreational and technical courses. on the inside of the harbour, against a breakwater: the Spaniard - barge 50 metres south-west of the Chequered Fort, This page was last edited on 30 April 2023, at 05:30. There are large chains on her. WebPortland Harbour offers half a dozen of wreck sites, one of the most popular and intact of these is the Countess Of Erne ~ one of the most popular Portland Harbour wreck sites, Depth Max 16m. AN ACCOUNT OF THIS WRECK CAN BE READ BY CLICKING. A requisitioned yacht sunk by German aircraft in 1940. The ship carried 200 rounds for each gun. Websince 2010 for the Portland Harbor site, to evaluate natural resource injuries incurred over time in areas contaminated with hazardous substances (such as DDT, PCBs, and others), and oil. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. Having defied an 11-month salvage attempt after its sinking, this undamaged and unique wreck has become a popular dive site in the waters of Lyme Bay. For detailed information and photographs of this wreck visit our DREDGER PAGE. SUNKEN SCHOONER DEVORAN. The exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. The M2 is a one-of-a-kind submarine aircraft carrier which sank off Portland in 1932 during routine exercises (see panel). The seabed is made out of shifting gravel and parts of the wreck stand 7 metres high. ", Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}503409N 22516W / 50.56917N 2.42111W / 50.56917; -2.42111. she became a total loss. [26], The development of both the torpedo and the submarine led to Portland Harbour becoming a centre for research into underwater warfare, beginning with the establishment of Robert Whitehead's Torpedo Works at Wyke Regis in 1891. Like her sisters, the ship was fitted with seven 18-inch torpedo tubes. The ship was placed in reserve in 1907 and later became the receiving ship at Queenstown, Ireland. A well-broken steamship of about 2000 tons standing 6 metres off the sea bed. Websince 2010 for the Portland Harbor site, to evaluate natural resource injuries incurred over time in areas contaminated with hazardous substances (such as DDT, PCBs, and others), and oil. The tidal flow is limited to three areas through the breakwaters and at Ferrybridge where the harbour links to the Fleet. If you follow this pipe along the top until the end, it will give a maximum depth of approximately 12 metres from where you can take a compass bearing of 350 degrees for a short distance, a new compass bearing of 90 degrees which will lead divers to a large kelp bed, over rocks and back to shore. These plans were not carried through, however a floating dry dock was introduced in 1914, enabling Portland to function as a repair and refit facility,[4] and by 1914 Portland was officially listed as a Naval Dockyard (remaining so until 1959). WebA significant number of UB-40s sinkings were in Dorset waters, including the LH Carl, sunk on the same day. [4], Hood's protection used both compound armour and nickel steel armour. They were removed in 1904. Ideal for individuals, buddy pairs, groups and schools, Dive Beyond is based at the back of Hotel Aqua and adjacent to a Council car park which makes the trip even more convenient. Designed by engineer James Meadows Rendel, the work carried out under civil engineer John Towlerton Leather, with Rendel as engineer in chief (until his death in 1856), and John Coode as resident engineer. [14], On 25 June 1903 Hood relieved the battleship Collingwood in the Home Fleet. It covered the middle 250 feet (76.2m) of the ship and was 8.5 feet (2.6m) high of which 5feet 6inches (1.7m) was below the waterline at normal load. A 4343 steamer she was sunk in July 1940 by a German E-boat. The four identified areas for development are:[citation needed]. However at 03:45 on the 4 th November 1979 she took on too much water and sank 5 miles south of St Aldhelm's Head, still 12 miles from the safety of Portland. In September 1910 Hood recommissioned to serve as flagship of the Senior Naval Officer, Coast of Ireland Station, while continuing as a receiving ship. These new facilities have been identified as part of a master plan and business strategy developed by Portland Port. For details and photos visit our COUNTESS OF ERNE page. [49] At the south-west end of Prince Consort Walk is a carved commemorative stone for the completion of the breakwaters in 1872. Depending on the tide, divers can get a good drift dive in this area. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. Features include an easily She was built in 1918 as a K-boat and in 1927 she was converted to carry a light sea plane in a hangar in front of the conning tower. TREGUIER TO LE HAVRE. [77] At the C Pier Head Battery a World War II petroleum warfare site was constructed. WebIn total, 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles would embark from Portland and Weymouth Harbours. She took part in combined exercises of the Channel Fleet, Mediterranean Fleet, and Home Fleet off the coast of Portugal from 5 to 9 August 1903. [76], The Weymouth end breakwater features the C Pier Head Battery on the southern tip. This is definitely one dive you could do over and over again! [46], In April 2023, the Government of the United Kingdom announced that it planned to moor the Bibby Stockholm at Portland Port to house asylum seekers. It is badly silted and fairly broken up but is full of marine life. [2] It consists of four breakwaters two southern and two northern. [20], Later in 1911, Hood was towed to Portsmouth and listed for disposal. This site offers some of the most enchanting sea life scenes in the area and is the spot where authors of this site first witnessed the Dance of the Cuttlefish, an amazing scene involving a dozen cuttlefish swaying in one place replicating the colours of each other. She differed from the other ships of the class in that she had cylindrical gun turrets instead of barbettes and a lower freeboard. If youre looking for local, recreational diving, whether it be wrecks, reefs or drift, check out the.

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