portland harbour wrecks

LOST OFF OF PORTLAND WITH ALL LIVES JANUARY 26TH 1932, ITEMS RETRIEVED FROM WRECK OF HM SUBMARINE M2. WebThis is a documentation and monitoring programme to survey underwater sites around Weymouth and Portland, including the wrecks of Portland Harbo Private Only members can see who's in the group and what they post. During World War II a number of anti-invasion structures were placed at Balaclava Bay, including an anti boat landing obstacle,[81] and a minefield. The M2 is a one-of-a-kind submarine aircraft carrier which sank off Portland in 1932 during routine exercises (see panel). Be careful in poor visibility as it is easy to find oneself in the wreck without even knowing it! As an Admirality armed trawler the Arfon sank in 1917 when she hit a mine. [42] It went on to become the largest naval helicopter airfield in Europe. 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. Other causes of shipwrecks include mechanical failure and rough coastal weather on unforgiving rocky shores. SS OKAHANDJA WENT ASHORE AT WESTCLIFF JUNE 1910. [65][66], On the northeast breakwater, at the southern end, directly opposite the fort, is the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse. 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. 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. This is on the outside of the breakwater and just around the corner from the Fort. One of the first arrivals at the new set up was a prison ship HM Prison Weare, which remained in use until 2006. The battery was decommissioned in 1934. WebDespite weather warnings (which the captain may or may not have received), the ship headed northeast out of the harbor on a track to Portland, Maine. She was ordered to return home in March 1900 and paid off into reserve at Chatham Dockyard on 29 April 1900. She now lies in two parts on a shingle sea bed. [18] In 1902, additional defences were constructed, including Upton Fort at Osmington and Blacknor Fort on the western side of Portland. They were removed in 1904. An ex American submarine sunk on purpose, upright, as a sonar target in August 1947. Frequent visitor John Liddiard reveals his route. Both of these wrecks lie in very close proximity and make an excellent double-wreck dive by starting off at the Landing Craft, following a line laid by local dive operators to the Bombardon Unit and returning back to entry point or surfacing on an SMB (please consult the skipper on what method is preferred for the dive). PORTLAND, Ore. A driver died after crashing on NE Marine Drive early Monday morning, according to Portland police. The battleship Russell relieved Hood on 28 September 1904. Despite its shallow depth, because it can be dived in almost any weather conditions and the lure of the wreck itself, the Dredger is even regularly visited by technical divers who use it as a platform for training. [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. There are large chains on her. She was built in the early 1880s and the conversion took place 1889. Sunk in December 1944. [25], Support facilities for the fleet were also added over time, including a canteen and recreation ground. [24] Onshore amenities included a range of storehouses, workshops and office buildings. Black Hawk (Bow). the ss bournemouth wrecked on rocks near portland bill 1886. all 160 passengers were rescued. Maximum depth is about 6 to 7 metres depending on the state of the tide. Stands 4 to 5 metres high in some points. VII gun. Dutch steamship of 6800 tons mined and sunk in 1939 just East of the adamant shoal, approximately 500 long. Located as it is inside the breakwater, the wreck is well-protected from wind and waves. Some 250,000 tonnes of Portland Stone was used in creating the 875m breakwater and associated reclaimed land. Name last changed on November Project Baseline is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 88-0481587) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. ", 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 also was fitted with a plough-shaped underwater ram. Portland Port Ltd, formed in December 1994, took possession of the site immediately and their purchase was completed on 12 December 1996. She stands about 13 metres throughout with her bows to the South and stern to the North. [20], Later in 1911, Hood was towed to Portsmouth and listed for disposal. 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. This 600 ton British steamship was sunk by a torpedo in 1918 while carrying a cargo of coal. [43], Royal Navy operations ceased on 21 July 1995 and the harbour was sold on 29 March 1996. Nearly 400 souls were lost on her. [19] By 1903, the East Weares Rifle Range served the navy and other military soldiers on the eastern side of the island. If you want to shore dive instead, check out our guide to Chesil Cove. Her waterline main belt ranged in thickness between 14 to 18 inches (356 to 457mm) thick. Advertisement. The wreckage itself is pretty much broken up and is in two parts but offers good swim throughs and plenty of fish, squid? A number of wrecks lie both inside and immediately outside the breakwater walls attracting hundreds of divers every year. In September 1910 Hood recommissioned to serve as flagship of the Senior Naval Officer, Coast of Ireland Station, while continuing as a receiving ship. DROVE ONTO CHESIL BEACH IN GALE THROUGH BREAKDOWN OF ENGINE, SALVAGE TUG ELLIDA ASHORE ON CHESIL BEACH 1920, SS GERTRUDE (HARTLEPOOL) ON THE ROCKS AT CLAY HOPE NEAR BLACKNOR POINT AUGUST 26TH 1904, HMS HOOD SCUTTLED TO PROTECT PORTLAND HARBOUR IN 1914. It is generally accepted that she sunk after diving with the hangar doors open (as they are today). HISTORY. ARMED. However, the area is notoriously dangerous, with areas such as Portland Race and The Shambles requiring sailors to be wary due to strong tides and rocky shores. 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 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. These new facilities have been identified as part of a master plan and business strategy developed by Portland Port. 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. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. [19], The ship's bell was later used as one of at least two bells [23] on the battlecruiser HMSHood. AN ACCOUNT OF THIS WRECK CAN BE READ BY CLICKING HERE. The battery was opened in 1901 and was armed with two 12-pounder quick-firing (QF) guns for anti-torpedo craft defence. [56] At the end of Castletown village is the former Dockyard Police Station - also Grade II Listed. A fine modern and recent wreck lying off St Albans Head. Visible Anyone can find this group. The sea bed, heavily silted, is littered with bottles, cups and plates with other oddities. [6], After the war, in 1946, ten Phoenix caissons of the Mulberry Harbour were towed back to Portland, eight of which were later given to the Netherlands to repair storm breaches in the dykes in 1953. 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. MADELAINE (MAGDALENE) TRISTAN BEACHED AT CHESIL COVE SEPTEMBER 1930 FRENCH SCHOONER OF LORIENT. she became a total loss. HE THOUGHT HE WAS ON THE NORTH COAST OF FRANCE. CARGO WAS TIMBER. WebIn total, 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles would embark from Portland and Weymouth Harbours. 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. 40-60m RANGE: Salsette, Buccaneer, Merchant Royal, Warrior 2. [4], Hood's protection used both compound armour and nickel steel armour. [22] On 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. SMB Required. [53] One of the most dominant of the defence structures is the Portland Breakwater Fort, located on one of the outer breakwaters. WebDONATE. [9] Known as the Admiralty Quarries, they provided 10,000 tons of stone per week. The site was also the location of a coastal battery, known as A Pier Head Battery, which opened in 1901 and was armed with two 12-pounder quick-firing (QF) guns for anti-torpedo craft defence. Please click here to go to the Home page and here to go to the Navigation page, Please click on the name of a ship to see pictures of that shipwreck. [5] Prompted by the expansion of the French naval port of Cherbourg, just across the Channel, the Royal Navy established a base at Portland in 1845 and a scheme for the harbour to be transformed into a refuge was granted parliamentary approval the year before. The original harbour was naturally protected by the south coast of England, Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland, providing refuge for ships against weather in all directions except east. [39] At the time, the Dockyard employed 'some 1,600 industrial and non-industrial staff'. Sunk as a blockship across the South Ship Channel of Portland Harbour. This is a British MFV that sank while being towed to Poole and is now pretty much broken up. Visible Anyone can find this group. WebWith the weather at gale force, the tug started to tow the Aeolian Sky into the storm to try to make the shelter of Portland Harbour. The Dredger lies right outside of Portland Harbour within the sheltered bay of Balaclava (in front of the large winch). 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. [37] The AUWE later became infamous for espionage infiltration, known as the Portland Spy Ring.[38]. This occasion saw a biplane demonstrate the first British flight from a moving ship, and afterwards the king took the first ever royal trip in a submarine. SHE BECAME A TOTAL LOSS. While anchored in Portland harbour she was struck in June 1940 by bombs dropped from a German aircraft and sank there. [74] The same site featured a World War I torpedo station. On descending, follow the wall down until you reach the gravel and sandy bottom at about 18 metres. a detailed report on this accident can be read by clicking here. [2] It consists of four breakwaters two southern and two northern. 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. It is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. HISTORY. [25] The nearby Royal Naval Hospital in Castletown served the naval base from 1904 (replacing an earlier small hospital) until 1957, when it was handed over to the NHS. It makes a powerful dive in good visibility and is full of fish. Webmore pictures and details of portland shipwrecks can be found here. Today, Salsette lies on her port side in 45m with her starboard rail around 32m. In February 1958 it was announced in Parliament by the First Lord of the Admiralty that Portland Dockyard was to close the following year (though the naval base would be retained). the ss bournemouth wrecked on rocks near portland bill 1886. all 160 passengers were rescued. The exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. WebDONATE. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. This facility was open by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in April 2009 and is situated directly adjacent to the National Sailing Academy. The James Fennel also can be drifted or done as part of a drift dive. [30] Its facilities included laboratories and workshops, a large water tank for conducting experiments and an inshore testing site for trials of ASDIC on the inner breakwater (by the late 1930s over 200 civilians were employed in Osprey's ASDIC Research and Development Unit (ARDU)). 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. The tidal range within the Harbour is small and in the order of 1.5-2.3m. [4] During the 20th century the harbour increasingly became an naval oiling depot and, beginning in the early 1900s, the tidal creek the Mere began to be filled in for a vast tank farm. GT 213. She was replaced by HMS Boscawen in 1866 (following Britannia's relocation to Dartmouth). However, the area is notoriously dangerous, with areas such as Portland Race and The Shambles requiring sailors to be wary due to strong tides and rocky shores. The M2 is a one-of-a-kind submarine aircraft carrier which sank off Portland in 1932 during routine exercises (see panel). she became a total loss. [44] The breakwaters lead to a restricted water exchange which in turn leads to elevated water temperatures; several marine species inhabit the harbour beyond the typical northern limits of their range. [12] Below the eastern side of the citadel, East Weare Battery was built during the 1860s, along with the detention barracks East Weare Camp. Portland Harbour (2 to 19m) represents a semi-artificial deep water tidal basin enclosed by breakwaters. Advertisement. A FEW DAYS LATER, AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO TOW HER OFF THE ROCKS BUT SHE SANK IMMEDIATELY. THE WRECK WHICH WAS SOLD FOR 1. [87], 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}503506N 22642W / 50.585N 2.445W / 50.585; -2.445. The factory closed in 1997 and was cleared to make way for a housing development named Whitehead Drive, which includes a memorial stone and plaque to commemorate the factory. 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. 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. It was put into operation again during World War II. There is some sea life amid the large rocks. 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. [55], In 1993, the Dockyard Offices became Grade II Listed. Countess of Erne (7 to 15m). She measures 182 by 19 and was subnk with depth charges dropped off the yacht Lorna. bournemouth. There is a small area of inter-tidal habitat, particularly on the northern and western shores. The aft portion was salvaged and converted to a new ship. 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. [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. Especially in good sea conditions a dive on the deeper edge of the shambles can be very rewarding for divers with varying interests. MYRTLEDENE RAN ASHORE ON MARCH 25TH 1912 THIS SHIP WAS OFFERED FOR SALE WITH ITS CARGO OF IRON ORE FOR 100, BUT NEVER SOLD. January 2014 issue of Diver magazine by John Liddiard and Max Ellis. In April 2000 the contract was signed for a new bunkering jetty and berth, which came into service in 2005. This 4600 ton three masted steamer was launched in 1853 and after serving in the Crimean war as a large troopship, was sold as a coal hulk. [36], Having suffered bomb damage, the ARDU had transferred out to Fairlie for the duration of the war. By 2012 Osprey Quay had been transformed with huge investment, offering over 11 hectares, a total of 60,000 square metres of business space.[48]. SMB Required. This article is about the harbour in England. 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. A well-broken steamship of about 2000 tons standing 6 metres off the sea bed. 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. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. [23] In the early years of the 20th century it served as base for the Navy's first Torpedo Boat Destroyers. This is a WWII experimental wave breaking unit apparently made for the D-Day landings and is a vessel made out of star shaped barges with lots of hatches. [47], The harbour is a popular location for wind surfing, wreck diving and sailing. Hood's secondary armament consisted of ten 40-calibre 6-inch Mk I-III guns mounted in casemates in the superstructure. This is a British cargo ship of 5000 tons lying South of Portland. 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]. Measuring 200 in length it was partly salvaged. [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. A requisitioned yacht sunk by German aircraft in 1940. She sits upright on a shingle and gravel seabed. Portland was the first naval anchorage specifically designed for the new steam navy. This 3000 ton Spanish steamship dragged her anchor in a Force 9 gale in December 1900 and was grounded on the rocks close to the Breakwater where she slipped and eventually sank. This is on the outside of the breakwater and just around the corner from the Fort. She measures 260 by 32 and stands 7 metres in places. 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. This is a very rewarding dive with depths ranging from 16 to 25 metres maximum. The M2 is not far west round the Bill, is about 300 and all hands were lost on her when she sunk in January 1932. 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. As part of the NRDA process, separate from the EPA cleanup process, NOAA and its co-trustees are conducting an injury assessment at the site. General History Group created on November 15, 2013. During 1913 and 1914 she was employed as a target for underwater protection experiments and was used in secret tests of anti-torpedo bulges. As above but the stern lies on her starboard side with the prop missing and on a gravel, shingle and sand sea bed. 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. Foylebank - Part Three", "Subterranea Britannica: Sites: Portland underground Naval Headquarters & Communications Centre", "Northern Chiswell and Northern Fortuneswell", "Maritime Archaeology Trust Maritime Archaeology Trust, HWTMA Mulberry Harbour", "MULBERRY HARBOUR, TWO SECTIONS CIRCA 115 METRES NORTH OF PIER (1203075)", "BBC ON THIS DAY | 13 | 1961: Five Britons accused of spying for Moscow", "Portland's naval history ends as last warship sails", "EGDP Portland Heliport - Helicopter Database", "Dorset Coast Landscape and Seascape Assessment", "Portland Port's 26m deep-water berth upgrade set to start", "Asylum seeker barge plan could face legal challenge", "History - WPNSA - Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy", "Details from listed building database (1203106)", "Details from listed building database (1205991)", "Details from listed building database (1281863)", "Details from listed building database (1002412)", "Details from listed building database (1205814)", "Details from listed building database (1280475)", "Details from listed building database (1203099)", "Details from listed building database (1203074)", "Visitor centre for Island (From Dorset Echo)", "Details from listed building database (1389124)", Coxswain Edward Palmer, awarded BEM for rescue work following the sinking of HMS Foylebank in Portland Harbour, July 1940, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Portland_Harbour&oldid=1152429965, Ports and harbours of the English Channel, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2016, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2014, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Floating Dry Dock Development at Queen's Pier.
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