[30] At the same time, a new headquarters for the Admiralty Gunnery Establishment (AGE), which had transferred to Portland from Teddington, was built at Southwell between 194952; it, however, transferred again in 1959 (to Portsdown Hill), allowing the building to be taken over by the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment (AUWE), formed from an amalgamation of different establishments from different parts of the UK involved in researching and developing underwater weapons and detection systems (including HMUDE, which nevertheless remained in its Balaclava Bay premises). This 1154 iron sailing ship collided with the Forrest before sinking. [37] Within the same statement Sheerness Dockyard and a number of other naval establishments were also slated for closure. The ground varies from ledges to very rocky undulating ground. Pictures: The shipwrecks of Portland and Chesil WebDONATE. [77] At the C Pier Head Battery a World War II petroleum warfare site was constructed. She was 518 tons and built in 1864. The seabed is made out of shifting gravel and parts of the wreck stand 7 metres high. [9], The ship was armed with four 32-calibre BL 13.5-inch Mk IIV guns in two twin gun turrets, one fore and aft of the superstructure. [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. Topedoed by a German sub in December 1944, towed into Worbarrow and beached. This is a 1500 ton Norwegian steamship, torpedoed in May 1918. 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. bournemouth. Offshore wrecks Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. Commercial dive boats and club boats launching from harbour. [24] Onshore amenities included a range of storehouses, workshops and office buildings. Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. Frequent visitor John Liddiard reveals his route. [2] It consists of four breakwaters two southern and two northern. The repairs began after she paid off on 5 December 1902 and she transferred to Devonport for a refit upon their completion. Her crew numbered 690 officers and ratings. Shonas Wrecks It was put into operation again during World War II. BUILT AS STRATH CLASS AUXILLIARY PATROL VESSEL. [54] It is Grade II Listed. The port is used by all nature of vessels from commercial ships such as bulkers, tankers, container carriers car carriers, survey and Reefers etc. Harbour Wrecks [74] The same site featured a World War I torpedo station. WebPortland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. [12] Below the eastern side of the citadel, East Weare Battery was built during the 1860s, along with the detention barracks East Weare Camp. a detailed report on this accident can be read by clicking here. Portland Port Ltd, formed in December 1994, took possession of the site immediately and their purchase was completed on 12 December 1996. With a long maritime history, the Portland coastline and harbour has seen many kinds of ships sail through its waters. The wreckage itself is pretty much broken up and is in two parts but offers good swim throughs and plenty of fish, squid? The wreck is well scattered with intact bows. GERMAN LINER BULOW ASHORE AT MUTTON COVE PORTLAND 1943. CARGO IRON ORE. The vessel broke into two after impact and sunk. [18] She participated in combined exercises with the Channel Squadron and the Cruiser Squadron off the coasts of Cephalonia and Morea in late 1902. Torch Recommended. 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. 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. [18] In 1902, additional defences were constructed, including Upton Fort at Osmington and Blacknor Fort on the western side of Portland. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". FREE FRENCH SUBMARINE (MINERVA) ASHORE AT PORTLAND IN 1945 WHEN IT BROKE ITS TOW LINE. This is a British cargo ship of 5000 tons lying South of Portland. Depending on the tide, divers can get a good drift dive in this area. ALTHOUGH FLOATED OFF THE BREAKWATER IN 1901 IT WAS EVENTUALLY WRECKED OFF THE ORKNEY ISLES ON 21st FEBRUARY 1906. The Dredger (Breakwater wall down to 12m). Especially in good sea conditions a dive on the deeper edge of the shambles can be very rewarding for divers with varying interests. Project Baseline is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 88-0481587) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 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. Shipwrecks in Oregon 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. This 14,100 ton battleship was used as a gunnery and torpedo target and sank as result of this, turning turtle following several hits. At times this area is used to conduct training deep dives that require a depth deeper than 18 metres. WebDONATE. The armour of the main-deck casemates was 6 inches thick and that of the forward conning tower was 14 inches thick. This 653 ton Belgian steamship sank as result of a torpedo attack in March 1918. [82] A little further south is a coast artillery searchlight. VII gun. Visible Anyone can find this group. [11], In 1897 one of these 3-pounder guns was mounted on each turret top and, three years later, the 3-pounders in the fighting tops were transferred to the forward superstructure. [28], The increasing threat of conflict with Germany before the Great War erupted saw the arrival of the Dreadnoughts in Portland, while seaplanes began to operate in Portland's skies. Advertisement. There are large chains on her. 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 port also sees various cruise ship calls bringing visitors to the Dorset area. Although mortally wounded he continued to fire his gun against the attackers until he died. Below the armoured deck their armour was reduced to 11 inches (279mm). This is on the outside of the breakwater and just around the corner from the Fort. 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. Pictures: The shipwrecks of Portland and Chesil Portland Harbour (2 to 19m) represents a semi-artificial deep water tidal basin enclosed by breakwaters. SMB Required. [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". 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. An ex American submarine sunk on purpose, upright, as a sonar target in August 1947. PORTLAND HARBOUR WRECKS [3], Construction of the two breakwaters began in 1849 when HRH Prince Albert laid the foundation stone on 25 July. 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. LOST OFF OF PORTLAND WITH ALL LIVES JANUARY 26TH 1932, ITEMS RETRIEVED FROM WRECK OF HM SUBMARINE M2. In September 1914 while being towed to Portland she listed and sank with the loss of 21 souls. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. 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. 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. Both seacocks and explosives were used to sink her, but she rolled to port and capsized onto seabed. 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. 18 in June 1914,[21] before being placed on the sale list in August 1914. There is some sea life amid the large rocks. [17], As part of further defence works against the threat of torpedo attack, construction of the harbour's two northern breakwaters was carried out between 1893-1906. SHORE: Chesil Cove (day and night), the Adelaide & Nor (day), Newtons Cove (night). Declared a total loss in April 1945. [40] Following this, RNAS Portland also closed in October 1999. 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. SS PREVEZA AND SALVAGE TUG ASHORE AT CHESIL COVE JAN 15TH 1920, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL DRAMATIC STORY BEHIND THIS ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED ON 4TH JUNE 1949. 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. HMS Hood was a modified Royal Sovereign-class pre-dreadnought battleship built for the Royal Navy in the early 1890s. to Lyme Bay and further out in the English Channel. a naturalist trail beside the rocks it rests against. [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. Portland Harbour [4], In the 1850s it had been proposed that a full Royal Navy Dockyard be established, with three dry docks, three shipbuilding slips, a fitting-out basin and associated factory facilities. 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. A major government project, the construction work had become Dorset's greatest tourist attraction of its time. [65][66], On the northeast breakwater, at the southern end, directly opposite the fort, is the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". She served most of her active career in the Mediterranean Sea, where her low freeboard was less of a disadvantage. S.S. SANDAL ON FIRE PORTLAND HARBOUR 1907. Torch Recommended. SMB Required. 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. 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. [51] In addition to this, The 'E' section of the battery is Grade II Listed and has become a scheduled monument too. The wreck was blown by explosives to clear the way for the Winfrith pipeline. Weymouth and Portland 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. It is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. The stern is complete and amidship there is an engine and boiler. Tidal flow within the Harbour is generally anti-clockwise, sweeping away from the Fleet, through the Port area and through the South Ship Channel. [13][14] On the end of the inner breakwater was the Inner Pierhead Fort, and on the outer breakwater the circular Breakwater Fort. MADELAINE (MAGDALENE) TRISTAN BEACHED AT CHESIL COVE SEPTEMBER 1930 FRENCH SCHOONER OF LORIENT. This Norwegian steamer carried a cargo of coal when it was torpedoed in December 1917 and sunk. THERE IS CONFUSION IN THE ARCHIVE WHETHER SOME OF THESE PICTURES COULD BE EITHER THE PATRIA OR THE ANN MARIA, PATROCLUS CAME ASHORE AT BORROWHILL PORTLAND 19 SEPTEMBER 1907, SALVAGING THE SS PATROCLUS SEPTEMBER 20TH 1907, ELEVEN PUMPS AT WORK TO REFLOAT HER. the ss bournemouth wrecked on rocks near portland bill 1886. all 160 passengers were rescued. Shes a Greek registered bulk freighter of 14,000 tons and lies on a limestone sea bed on her port side. This is on the outside of the breakwater and just around the corner from the Fort. Portland This 1916 ton steamer torpedoed in Lyme Bay in July 1917 and stands 5 to 6 metre in places. The armoured deck was 3 inches thick over the machinery, but thinned to 2.5 inches (64mm) outside the central citadel and ran to the ends of the ship. Located as it is inside the breakwater, the wreck is well-protected from wind and waves. [37] The AUWE later became infamous for espionage infiltration, known as the Portland Spy Ring.[38]. 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. The aft portion was salvaged and converted to a new ship. Unfortunately, conditions worsened quickly and the vessel was caught in a major storm with strong winds, high seas, and snow-impaired visibility. Commercial dive boats and club boats launching from harbour. The Countess of Erne is probably the most popular dive-site in Portland Harbour. [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. The sheltered Portland Harbour can be dived throughout the season in most conditions other than gale force winds. This German submarine sank in May 1918. Inshore wrecks 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 at 47 metres and she is reported to be lying upside down against a high reef. In 1946, however, it returned (having been renamed HM Anti-Submarine Experimental Establishment); over the next few years its headquarters on Balaclava Bay were rebuilt and extended, and it was again renamed as HM Underwater Detection Establishment (HMUDE). VII gun. This is believed to be a sand dredger and it makes an excellent shallow dive and training site in almost all weather and sea conditions. She stands 6 metres high in some places. ALL THE CREW WERE SAVED. [8], The ship was powered by two 3-cylinder vertical triple-expansion steam engines, each driving one propeller. With a long maritime history, the Portland coastline and harbour has seen many kinds of ships sail through its waters. Inshore wrecks Portland she became a total loss. Unfortunately, conditions worsened quickly and the vessel was caught in a major storm with strong winds, high seas, and snow-impaired visibility. [84] A number of pillboxes were built around East Weare Battery. Above 18m: The Countess of Erne - divernet.com There is some sea life amid the large rocks. PORTLAND, Ore. A driver died after crashing on NE Marine Drive early Monday morning, according to Portland police. [5], Because the stability of a ship is largely due to freeboard at high rolling angles, she was given a larger metacentric height (the vertical distance between the metacenter and the centre of gravity below it) of around 4.1 feet (1.2m) instead of the 3.6 feet (1.1m) of the rest of the Royal Sovereigns to make her roll less in rough seas. [83] Another coast artillery searchlight was situated further south of this. A number of wrecks lie both inside and immediately outside the breakwater walls attracting hundreds of divers every year. FOST was relocated to Devonport. In 2004 changes led to Portland Harbour Authority Ltd becoming the Statutory and Competent Harbour Authority and Portland Port Ltd the Port Operator. This had the effect of making her roll period shorter by around 7% compared to her sisters, which in turn made her gunnery less accurate. It is badly broken up with large pieces of machinery present and lying in a rock shingle sea bed. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. Enecuri | The Spaniard? WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. Portland Harbor MYRTLEDENE RAN ASHORE ON MARCH 25TH 1912 THIS SHIP WAS OFFERED FOR SALE WITH ITS CARGO OF IRON ORE FOR 100, BUT NEVER SOLD. She lies on a sand and broken shell sea bed. DRIFT: Bottlebank, Lulworth Cove, Aerials, Balaclava Bay. She is broken up and difficult to locate. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. Inshore wrecks The battleship Russell relieved Hood on 28 September 1904. [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. Boscawen was herself replaced in 1873 by HMS Trafalgar, which took on the same name. [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. Landing Craft and Bombardon Unit (17-19m). There are items of unexploded ammunition on her including depth charges. The battery was opened in 1901 and was armed with two 12-pounder quick-firing (QF) guns for anti-torpedo craft defence. Black Hawk (Bow). This 6010 ton ship was launched in 1870 named Invincible and operated for some time as the Erebus. +44(0)1305824555info@underwaterexplorers.co.uk VIDEOS ABOUT US | CONTACT HOME BLOG SALES In-store Sales Our Brands Santi Diving Go Shop online Online She was replaced by HMS Boscawen in 1866 (following Britannia's relocation to Dartmouth). If youre looking for local, recreational diving, whether it be wrecks, reefs or drift, check out the. The development is designed to increase berthing opportunities and provide more operational land. A 6127 ton French liner which was torpedoed by a German E boat in 1940. One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. Given the depth and limited tidal range, the predominant habitat within the Harbour is one that is truly marine. [35] The remaining two units now act as a wind-break, helping ships berth at Queen's Pier in the harbour. 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. SS PATROCLUS SALVAGE OPERATION 1907. SUNK BY COLLISION WITH A TORPEDO DESTROYER IN PORTLAND ROADS. [8] During 1848, HM Prison Portland was established to provide convict labour to quarry the stone needed to construct the breakwaters and the harbour defences. With the advent of the helicopter and its importance as an anti-submarine weapon, an airfield was formed following World War II. She is approximately 240 long and with a 29 beam she lies upright on the bottom. 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. She displaced 14,780 long tons (15,020t) at normal load and 15,588 long tons (15,838t) at deep load. Portland Harbour The restricted water exchange leads to elevated water temperatures which accounts for the presence of several marine species beyond the typical northern limits of their range. C E HEINKE AND COs DIVING APPARATUS WAS USED IN THE SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OPERATIONS. 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. WebIn total, 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles would embark from Portland and Weymouth Harbours. By 1913 the battery's armament included four 12-pounder guns and a 6-inch breech-loading (BL) Mk. [34], During both World War I and II, the bay was filled with neutral ships at anchor waiting to be searched for materials that might be useful to the enemy. The areas most popular drift dive which offers plenty of activities for divers at all levels, including scalloping and sea life identification. 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. Like her sisters, the ship was fitted with seven 18-inch torpedo tubes. Chequered Fort (18m). SS OKAHANDJA WENT ASHORE AT WESTCLIFF JUNE 1910. page travelling from Castletown beach using RHIBs. TRIPLE-EXPANSION ENGINE. This is an East Inidiaman that struck the Shambles bank and sunk in front of Weymouth in 1805 with a large loss of life. Weymouth and Portland Topedoed by a German sub in December 1944, towed into Worbarrow and beached. It is badly broken up with large pieces of machinery present and lying in a rock shingle sea bed. As an Admirality armed trawler the Arfon sank in 1917 when she hit a mine. Portland Harbour Wrecks At the same time the above-water torpedo tubes were removed. 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. 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. Today, Salsette lies on her port side in 45m with her starboard rail around 32m. by (club) or (commercial) dive boats with launching possible from various points including Portland Marina and a free slipway at Castletown.? 25-32m RANGE: M2 submarine, Aeolian Sky, Binnedijk, Alex Van Opstel, St. Dunstan. Today, Salsette lies on her port side in 45m with her starboard rail around 32m. 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. 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. Located as it is inside the breakwater, the wreck is well-protected from wind and waves. 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. A 3081 ton steamship that was sunk in January 1918 by a German U-boat while carrying military stores, cattle fodder and military vehicles. THE SS BOURNEMOUTH WRECKED ON ROCKS NEAR PORTLAND BILL 1886. During 1913 and 1914 she was employed as a target for underwater protection experiments and was used in secret tests of anti-torpedo bulges. With a long maritime history, the Portland coastline and harbour has seen many kinds of ships sail through its waters. Shipwrecks - Geoff Kirby The sea bed, heavily silted, is littered with bottles, cups and plates with other oddities. Formerly the Marie this iron wreck ship was sunk by a German submarine in May 1917. Bottlebank Drift (19m). 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. LAY RIGHT ACROSS THE PORTLAND SEWER OUTFALL WHICH WAS SMASHED. Advertisement. 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. A 4343 steamer she was sunk in July 1940 by a German E-boat. In 1905 the 3-pounders on the forward superstructure were removed while the 3-pounders in the lower fighting tops were removed while the ship was in reserve from 190709. [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.

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