As an Admirality armed trawler the Arfon sank in 1917 when she hit a mine. [4], Coaling facilities were initially integrated into the design of the inner breakwater. 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. It makes a powerful dive in good visibility and is full of fish. Hood was placed into reserve at Devonport on 3 January 1905, where she remained until February 1907. Portland Harbour Wrecks [19] By 1903, the East Weares Rifle Range served the navy and other military soldiers on the eastern side of the island. The academy was established as a not-for-profit company in 1999, and originally operated from various disused military buildings and facilities. She was 1124 tons and well blown. Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. 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. 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. Hood also mounted a dozen QF 3-pounder Hotchkiss guns mounted in the superstructure and fighting tops. [36], Having suffered bomb damage, the ARDU had transferred out to Fairlie for the duration of the war. she became a total loss. A small Admirality trawler only 123 long that went aground on Blacknor Point in March 1920 in thick fog, slid off and sank there. [13][14] On the end of the inner breakwater was the Inner Pierhead Fort, and on the outer breakwater the circular Breakwater Fort. This 653 ton Belgian steamship sank as result of a torpedo attack in March 1918. [16] Thereafter, the squadron maintained order on Crete until the island's status finally was resolved by the evacuation of all Ottoman Army forces from Crete in November 1898 and the establishment of an autonomous Cretan State under Ottoman suzerainty in December 1898. 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. Portland A 3081 ton steamship that was sunk in January 1918 by a German U-boat while carrying military stores, cattle fodder and military vehicles. 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. The dive time is normally 1-2 hours before or 1-2 hours after HW and the dive area is from the vicinity of Grove point to Balaclava Bay. [73] On the far end of the North Eastern Breakwater, on the Weymouth side, is the site of B Pier Head Battery. She stands 15 metres and is a huge wreck with her bows broken off and amid ship and stern listing Starboard. SS OKAHANDJA WENT ASHORE AT WESTCLIFF JUNE 1910. This German submarine sank in May 1918. Shes a Greek registered bulk freighter of 14,000 tons and lies on a limestone sea bed on her port side. Countess of Erne (7 to 15m). 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. [78] On site is a World War II 29 millimetre spigot mortar emplacement.[79][80]. Wreck Portland This German submarine was sunk in October 1917 and lies on a north to south line, with a hole in her port side and a list to starboard. The most popular entrance and the one recommended by the local Council, however, is using the slipway, walking straight down to the shore and swimming out. Her highest point is at 47 metres and she is reported to be lying upside down against a high reef. CARGO GRAIN. MARBELLA TO ROTTERDAM. Harbour Wrecks [76], The Weymouth end breakwater features the C Pier Head Battery on the southern tip. 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. 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. The Bombardon Unit is a star shaped barges with lots of hatches. As above but the stern lies on her starboard side with the prop missing and on a gravel, shingle and sand sea bed. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. Construction of the harbour began in 1849; when completed in 1872, its 520-hectare (1,300-acre) surface area made it the largest human-made harbour in the world,[1] and remains one of the largest in the world today. Webmore pictures and details of portland shipwrecks can be found here. a detailed report on this accident can be read by clicking here. It was put into operation again during World War II. This 5965 ton Belgian passenger liner, 420 with 57 beam, sunk in September 1939 by a mine en route to Antwerp. Aside from the training of Royal Navy ships, many ships of NATO countries also trained and frequented at the harbour. Five shipwrecks that haunt Dorset's underwater graveyard The port is used by all nature of vessels from commercial ships such as bulkers, tankers, container carriers car carriers, survey and Reefers etc. +44(0)1305824555info@underwaterexplorers.co.uk VIDEOS ABOUT US | CONTACT HOME BLOG SALES In-store Sales Our Brands Santi Diving Go Shop online Online PORTLAND HARBOUR WRECKS [20], Later in 1911, Hood was towed to Portsmouth and listed for disposal. She differed from the other ships of the class in that she had cylindrical gun turrets instead of barbettes and a lower freeboard. 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. [84] A number of pillboxes were built around East Weare Battery. [14], The ship rejoined the Mediterranean Fleet at the end of 1901, and Captain Robert Lowry was appointed in command on 1 May 1902. Slack water is +1/2 hours HW Portland or -4 Hours HW Portland. [3], The lower freeboard was required by her use of armoured gun turretsa heavy type of rotating gun mounting of the mid-and-late 19th century very different from what would later be known as "turrets". 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. 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. The Countess has three holds that are open on either side, a number of attractions from a large rudder to ladders and even a toilet bowl! Shipwrecks - Geoff Kirby She stands 8 metres high in some places. 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. Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. She is approximately 240 long and with a 29 beam she lies upright on the bottom. [74] The same site featured a World War I torpedo station. Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. Name last changed on November HMS Hood (1891 BUILT AS STRATH CLASS AUXILLIARY PATROL VESSEL. [49] The outer breakwater is also Grade II Listed. 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. [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 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. 25-32m RANGE: M2 submarine, Aeolian Sky, Binnedijk, Alex Van Opstel, St. Dunstan. Shonas Wrecks Located as it is inside the breakwater, the wreck is well-protected from wind and waves. Harbour Wrecks The battery was decommissioned in 1934. Chequered Fort (18m). Five shipwrecks that haunt Dorset's underwater graveyard This low freeboard meant that Hood was very wet in rough weather and her maximum speed reduced rapidly as the wave height increased, making her only suitable for service in the relatively calm Mediterranean. sites in the waters around Portland ranging from Lulworth? Frequent visitor John Liddiard reveals his route. Picking up and dropping off at Castletown Jetty just minutes away from all the harbour wrecks is Dive Beyond operating two diving RIBS with ladders. STEAM TRAWLER B2 "TURENNE". MADELAINE (MAGDALENE) TRISTAN BEACHED AT CHESIL COVE SEPTEMBER 1930 FRENCH SCHOONER OF LORIENT. The battery was opened in 1901 and was armed with two 12-pounder quick-firing (QF) guns for anti-torpedo craft defence. It is badly broken up with large pieces of machinery present and lying in a rock shingle sea bed. Portland The tidal flow is limited to three areas through the breakwaters and at Ferrybridge where the harbour links to the Fleet. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". 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. Divers are advised to watch their depth as the area has a number of drop-offs. 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. Eight water-tube boilers provided steam to the engines, which produced a maximum of 11,000 indicated horsepower (8,200kW) when forced. Some 250,000 tonnes of Portland Stone was used in creating the 875m breakwater and associated reclaimed land. the ss bournemouth wrecked on rocks near portland bill 1886. all 160 passengers were rescued. RAN ASHORE IN FOG AT CLAY HOPE 12th DECEMBER 1913, MORE PICTURES AND DETAILS OF PORTLAND SHIPWRECKS CAN BE FOUND, THE SS BOURNEMOUTH WRECKED ON ROCKS NEAR PORTLAND BILL 1886. She was built in the early 1880s and the conversion took place 1889. For details and photos visit our COUNTESS OF ERNE page. Portland In 2004 changes led to Portland Harbour Authority Ltd becoming the Statutory and Competent Harbour Authority and Portland Port Ltd the Port Operator. This is a British cargo ship of 5000 tons lying South of Portland. It is an interesting dive that leads to the wheel house and exposed engine at the stern. [19] On 2 April 1911 the ship was in Cork Harbour for the 1911 Census. Shipwrecks in Oregon Visibility in this area can sometimes be as good as 20 metres and it is a much rewarding dive for underwater hunters. Offshore wrecks 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. Dutch steamship of 6800 tons mined and sunk in 1939 just East of the adamant shoal, approximately 500 long. [47], The harbour is a popular location for wind surfing, wreck diving and sailing. (Harbour wall to 16m.) Other causes of shipwrecks include mechanical failure and rough coastal weather on unforgiving rocky shores. [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. 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]. 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. She carried a maximum of 1,490 long tons (1,510t) of coal, enough to steam 4,720 nautical miles (8,740km; 5,430mi) at 10 knots (19km/h; 12mph). The seabed is made out of shifting gravel and parts of the wreck stand 7 metres high. Weymouth and Portland The Royal Yachting Association had expressed interest in securing a suitable site locally for a number of decades, in order to make use of the harbour's natural advantages. The wreckage is pretty much broken up. This is the areas most interesting and colourful shore dive but is tide dependent. Features include an easily General History Group created on November 15, 2013. ALL 160 PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED. [40] In 1984, two large accommodation blocks, totalling 25-30 million, were built in Castletown as barracks for Royal Navy personnel, along with a sports centre. In 2005 WPNSA was selected to host the sailing events at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 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. 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. WebDONATE. Renamed Jascon 27, the ship left Portland under tow in 2010, bound for Nigeria, to be refurbished for use as an oil industry accommodation vessel. 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. A DETAILED REPORT ON THIS ACCIDENT CAN BE READ BY CLICKING, A DETAILED HISTORY OF THIS SHIP AND ITS MISHAPS CAN BE READ BY CLICKING, SS PREVEZA RAN ASHORE ON CHESIL BEACH 15TH JAN 1920. 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. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. [14] She arrived at Malta on 3 July 1893, relieving the battleship Colossus. Today, Salsette lies on her port side in 45m with her starboard rail around 32m. [6], Portland Port Group became Statutory Harbour Authority for Portland Harbour on 1 January 1998, replacing the Queen's Harbour Master. Entry into the water should be made from the slipway towards the Cove Pub as this area is reserved mainly for divers. All three Boscawen ships were sold in 1906. [37] Within the same statement Sheerness Dockyard and a number of other naval establishments were also slated for closure. There is a small area of inter-tidal habitat, particularly on the northern and western shores. WebPortland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. SHORE: Chesil Cove (day and night), the Adelaide & Nor (day), Newtons Cove (night). She measures 230 by 30 and is fairly broken up lying North to South with its highest point 6 to 7 metres off the sea bed. The wreck's hull structure remains largely in tact and makes her one of [10], Defence against torpedo boats was provided by eight QF 6-pounder guns, although the exact type of gun is not known. [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. 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. The stern is complete and amidship there is an engine and boiler. Project Baseline is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 88-0481587) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Portland Harbour (2 to 19m) represents a semi-artificial deep water tidal basin enclosed by breakwaters. WebPortland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. The port also sees various cruise ship calls bringing visitors to the Dorset area. WHEN THE CAPTAIN DROVE ASHORE IN CHESIL COVE ON SEPT. 20TH 1930. Portland Harbour Wrecks As planned, Portland's Royal Dockyard closed in 1959, but the Naval Base remained open 'in support of the local establishments and H.M. ships using the harbour'. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Unfortunately, conditions worsened quickly and the vessel was caught in a major storm with strong winds, high seas, and snow-impaired visibility. STEAM TRAWLER BUILT 1918 BY FULLERTON & CO, PAISLEY. Dive Sites - Underwater Explorers She was replaced by HMS Boscawen in 1866 (following Britannia's relocation to Dartmouth). 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. [56] At the end of Castletown village is the former Dockyard Police Station - also Grade II Listed. The battleship Russell relieved Hood on 28 September 1904. Commercial dive boats and club boats launching from harbour. WebIn total, 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles would embark from Portland and Weymouth Harbours. 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. [41] In 1959, RNAS Portland was officially established as part of HMS Osprey,[41] further land having been reclaimed from the Mere the previous year to serve as a runway and landing area, and the old canteen building having been adapted to serve as a combined headquarters and control tower. Offshore wrecks 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. a naturalist trail beside the rocks it rests against. ONLY THE THREE MASTS WERE SAVED. 40-60m RANGE: Salsette, Buccaneer, Merchant Royal, Warrior 2. Project Baseline is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 88-0481587) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Commercial activities on the land of the dock estate include fuel storage, natural gas storage, several engineering facilities and a shell fish specialist. SAILORS PREPARING TO DESTROY BY EXPLOSIVES. This is reported to be a wreck with a deck at 58 metres sitting at 70+ metres of a sea bed and 400 ft long. 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. She displaced 14,780 long tons (15,020t) at normal load and 15,588 long tons (15,838t) at deep load. WebFate: Sunk 04 November 1914 as a blockship for southern entrance to Portland Harbour, designed to stop U-boats entering or firing torpedoes into Channel Fleet anchorage. Portland Harbour The coastal battery opened in 1901 and was armed with two 12-pounder quick-firing (QF) guns for anti-torpedo craft defence. 21 souls were lost on her. WebFate: Sunk 04 November 1914 as a blockship for southern entrance to Portland Harbour, designed to stop U-boats entering or firing torpedoes into Channel Fleet anchorage. 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. ", 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. Name last changed on November King George V watched aerial displays from the royal yacht in the harbour in May 1912. The commercial port has expanded since its initial establishment; the Britannia Passenger Terminal was opened by HRH Prince Philip on 14 July 1999. Declared a total loss in April 1945. This is a very rewarding dive with depths ranging from 16 to 25 metres maximum. These have a total length of 4.57km (2.84mi) and enclose approximately 1,000ha (2,500 acres) of water. SUNK BY COLLISION WITH A TORPEDO DESTROYER IN PORTLAND ROADS. There are items of unexploded ammunition on her including depth charges. From scenic shore dives to passenger liners and U-Boatslying on the seabed theres a dive for every level of experience. [83] Another coast artillery searchlight was situated further south of this. 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. An ex American submarine sunk on purpose, upright, as a sonar target in August 1947. They were removed in 1904. The development is designed to increase berthing opportunities and provide more operational land. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". This 600 ton British steamship was sunk by a torpedo in 1918 while carrying a cargo of coal. [7], Hood had an overall length of 410feet 6inches (125.1m), a beam of 75 feet (22.9m), and a draught of 28feet 6inches (8.7m) at deep load. [45] The harbour is designated as EU shellfish water and supports an important shellfish fishery and a marine ecosystem of high importance for biodiversity. For detailed information and photographs of this wreck visit our DREDGER PAGE. She served most of her active career in the Mediterranean Sea, where her low freeboard was less of a disadvantage. Commercial activities on the water include specialist diving services for vessels and repairs & maintenance as well as a bunkering (fuelling) station. Shipwrecks - Geoff Kirby One of the first arrivals at the new set up was a prison ship HM Prison Weare, which remained in use until 2006. The Dredger lies right outside of Portland Harbour within the sheltered bay of Balaclava (in front of the large winch). It is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. [9] Known as the Admiralty Quarries, they provided 10,000 tons of stone per week. Dropping off a boat to the left of the Hood exit from Portland harbour in outgoing tide will carry divers across a seabed scattered with shells, crabs and during the summer months much exotic sea life including a variety of nudibranches. Commercial dive boats and club boats launching from harbour. However, it is tidal. Can be very prolific sea life. These wrecks are accessible? She is broken up and difficult to locate. If youre looking for local, recreational diving, whether it be wrecks, reefs or drift, check out the. Topedoed by a German sub in December 1944, towed into Worbarrow and beached. There are many shallow and deep? Portland Harbour On descending, follow the wall down until you reach the gravel and sandy bottom at about 18 metres. The arm is known as the Bincleaves Groyne. MYRTLEDENE RAN ASHORE ON MARCH 25TH 1912 THIS SHIP WAS OFFERED FOR SALE WITH ITS CARGO OF IRON ORE FOR 100, BUT NEVER SOLD. 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.

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