At times this area is used by local and visiting dive schools to conduct recreational deep dive training where standards require a depth deeper than 18 metres. This site is right inside of the harbour close to the Hood entrance and can offer a good drift dive at certain times of tide. Formerly the Marie this iron wreck ship was sunk by a German submarine in May 1917. On descending, follow the wall down until you reach the gravel and sandy bottom at about 18 metres. She was 518 tons and built in 1864. Torch Recommended. a detailed report on this accident can be read by clicking here. Webmore pictures and details of portland shipwrecks can be found here. Boats shuttle out and in for harbour dives allowing you to rest, de-gas and fill up in between dives. [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. Divers are advised to watch their depth as the area has a number of drop-offs. The battleship Russell relieved Hood on 28 September 1904. Torch Recommended. SUNKEN SCHOONER DEVORAN. Advertisement. Tidal flow within the Harbour is generally anti-clockwise, sweeping away from the Fleet, through the Port area and through the South Ship Channel. 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. Name last changed on November With a long maritime history, the Portland coastline and harbour has seen many kinds of ships sail through its waters. bournemouth. 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. she became a total loss. 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. All boats and vessels including kayaks & boards within the harbour require harbour permits. 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. 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. a naturalist trail beside the rocks it rests against. SMB Required. As an Admirality armed trawler the Arfon sank in 1917 when she hit a mine. This small landing craft lies beside the Breakwater wall and close to the Bombardon unit. This 1154 iron sailing ship collided with the Forrest before sinking. [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. WebIn total, 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles would embark from Portland and Weymouth Harbours. Especially in good sea conditions a dive on the deeper edge of the shambles can be very rewarding for divers with varying interests. [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. Coastal steamship bombed in 1940 she stands about 10 metres off the sea bed. Intact and lying on its side. 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. Boscawen was herself replaced in 1873 by HMS Trafalgar, which took on the same name. This is a WWII experimental wave breaking unit apparently made for the D-Day landings sitting off the Landing Craft and can be done as part of a Landing Craft dive. 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. The wreckage is pretty much broken up. bournemouth. Located as it is inside the breakwater, the wreck is well-protected from wind and waves. [61], Situated across Portland Harbour's four breakwater arms are various defensive structures and related monuments. Entering at the end of the promenade and walking down the stairs to the beach, on the other hand, should take divers to a defunct old sewage pipeline which still attracts much sea life provided they take a bearing of 270 degrees. The exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. A FEW DAYS LATER, AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO TOW HER OFF THE ROCKS BUT SHE SANK IMMEDIATELY. She stands 6 metres high in some places. ALL 160 PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED. The seabed is made out of shifting gravel and parts of the wreck stand 7 metres high. Hood's secondary armament consisted of ten 40-calibre 6-inch Mk I-III guns mounted in casemates in the superstructure. 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. 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 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 areas most popular drift dive which offers plenty of activities for divers at all levels, including scalloping and sea life identification. 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. SHE WAS DEMOLISHED WITH EXPLOSIVES IN 1904. In 2004 changes led to Portland Harbour Authority Ltd becoming the Statutory and Competent Harbour Authority and Portland Port Ltd the Port Operator. [64] Further along the same arm, towards Portland, are two World War II coast artillery searchlights. [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". [3], Construction of the two breakwaters began in 1849 when HRH Prince Albert laid the foundation stone on 25 July. 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. 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. You can also find a detailed list of all inshore and offshore dive sites with their depths at the end of this page.? [4], Hood's protection used both compound armour and nickel steel armour. Project Baseline is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 88-0481587) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. On descending, follow the wall down until you reach the gravel and sandy bottom at about 18 metres. In April 2000 the contract was signed for a new bunkering jetty and berth, which came into service in 2005. She sits upright on a shingle and gravel seabed. to Lyme Bay and further out in the English Channel. as well as the dozens of hermit and spider crabs. 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. 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. From there you can either follow the line or the breakwater wall (keeping at your left) to the Bombardon Unit. [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. [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. [11], The initial southern breakwaters were built between 1849 and 1872; meanwhile, various defences were created to defend the harbour. Frequent visitor John Liddiard reveals his route. 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. [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. In September 1910 Hood recommissioned to serve as flagship of the Senior Naval Officer, Coast of Ireland Station, while continuing as a receiving ship. [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. PORTLAND, Ore. A driver died after crashing on NE Marine Drive early Monday morning, according to Portland police. [49] The outer breakwater is also Grade II Listed. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. 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. Webmore pictures and details of portland shipwrecks can be found here. She finished her sea trials in May 1893[14] and was commissioned on 1 June 1893 at the cost of 926,396. [20] In 1905, the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse was erected on the southern end of northeast breakwater, where it continues to operate today.[21]. Each gun was provided with 80 shells. Her waterline main belt ranged in thickness between 14 to 18 inches (356 to 457mm) thick. Commercial dive boats and club boats launching from harbour. Her highest point is at 47 metres and she is reported to be lying upside down against a high reef. 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. This 14,100 ton battleship was used as a gunnery and torpedo target and sank as result of this, turning turtle following several hits. It is badly silted and fairly broken up but is full of marine life and swim-throughs with part of the vessel still intact, making it an excellent second dive of the day. 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. It is badly broken up with large pieces of machinery present and lying in a rock shingle sea bed. [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. These new facilities have been identified as part of a master plan and business strategy developed by Portland Port. 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! 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. [43], Royal Navy operations ceased on 21 July 1995 and the harbour was sold on 29 March 1996. A 2200 ton British merchant ship that was torpedoed and sunk in February 1917. [14], The ship rejoined the Mediterranean Fleet at the end of 1901, and Captain Robert Lowry was appointed in command on 1 May 1902. 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. 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. a detailed report on this accident can be read by clicking here. [71][72] Further along the arm is a 29 millimetre spigot mortar emplacement. bournemouth. WebDONATE. WebPortland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. [19], The ship's bell was later used as one of at least two bells [23] on the battlecruiser HMSHood. The James Fennel also can be drifted or done as part of a drift dive. [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. [53] One of the most dominant of the defence structures is the Portland Breakwater Fort, located on one of the outer breakwaters. A fine modern and recent wreck lying off St Albans Head. [30], From 1940, the harbour came under fierce German air attack, with Portland suffering 48 air attacks, in which 532 bombs were dropped, over the course of the war. [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. She also was fitted with a plough-shaped underwater ram. 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. For detailed information and photographs of this wreck visit our DREDGER PAGE. However the opportunity did not develop until the end of the 20th century, with the withdrawal of the Royal Navy. It is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. Below the armoured deck their armour was reduced to 11 inches (279mm). A new coaling pier was built between 1890 and 1896, and expanded coaling facilities were still being added in 1906. [27], In 1862 HMS Britannia was moored at Portland to serve as a training ship for naval cadets. Nearly 400 souls were lost on her. [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. Unfortunately, conditions worsened quickly and the vessel was caught in a major storm with strong winds, high seas, and snow-impaired visibility. General History Group created on November 15, 2013. GERMAN LINER BULOW ASHORE AT MUTTON COVE PORTLAND 1943. WebDONATE. 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. 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. She lies on a sand and broken shell sea bed. The wreck was blown by explosives to clear the way for the Winfrith pipeline. General History Group created on November 15, 2013. One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. The commercial port has expanded since its initial establishment; the Britannia Passenger Terminal was opened by HRH Prince Philip on 14 July 1999. 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 inside Portland Harbour. 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. The ship carried 200 rounds for each gun. This is the areas most interesting and colourful shore dive but is tide dependent. However, it is tidal. The gun turrets and their bases were protected by 17 inches (432mm) of armour that thinned to 16 inches (406mm) behind the oblique bulkheads. [54] It is Grade II Listed. Apart from the usual freshwater, fuel, shore power and pump-out facilities the marina also has a bar/restaurant, 15 retail/business units and 5 larger commercial units. The battery was decommissioned in 1934. This is an East Inidiaman that struck the Shambles bank and sunk in front of Weymouth in 1805 with a large loss of life. [73] On the far end of the North Eastern Breakwater, on the Weymouth side, is the site of B Pier Head Battery. [19] Subsequently, she was photographed in dry dock at Portsmouth by the crew of Naval Airship No. The sheltered Portland Harbour can be dived throughout the season in most conditions other than gale force winds. Commercial dive boats and club boats launching from harbour. Portland Harbour was built by the Admiralty as a facility for the Royal Navy (though access was also available to merchant ships);[3] on 11 December 1923 it was formally designated HM Naval Base (HMNB) Portland,[4] and continued to serve as such until closure in 1995. Features include an easily There are many shallow and deep? MORE PICTURES AND DETAILS OF PORTLAND SHIPWRECKS CAN BE FOUND HERE. 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. WebPortland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. This 600 ton British steamship was sunk by a torpedo in 1918 while carrying a cargo of coal. SCHOONER DEVORAN. 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. [56] At the end of Castletown village is the former Dockyard Police Station - also Grade II Listed. ", 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. JAMES FENNELL SS. THE WRECK WHICH WAS SOLD FOR 1. Mined in June 1940, all that remains is the well-scattered remains of the bow section of this Britich oil tanker of 7101 tons. Eight water-tube boilers provided steam to the engines, which produced a maximum of 11,000 indicated horsepower (8,200kW) when forced. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. Measuring 200 in length it was partly salvaged. [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. It is also very accommodating to recreational and technical courses. 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. 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. [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. 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. 12-18m Range: Countess of Erne, Enecuri, Bombardon Unit & Landing Craft, the Dredger, James Fennel, Black Hawk (bow). AN ACCOUNT OF THIS WRECK CAN BE READ BY CLICKING HERE. Can be very prolific sea life. A NORWEGIAN BARQUE (GRIMSTAD) GT 607. This 80 MFV was last heard of in 1974 and all crew were lost. the ss bournemouth wrecked on rocks near portland bill 1886. all 160 passengers were rescued. The Dredger (Breakwater wall down to 12m). In September 1914 while being towed to Portland she listed and sank with the loss of 21 souls. [17], Captain Alvin Coote Corry was appointed in command of Hood in December 1898. 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. by (club) or (commercial) dive boats with launching possible from various points including Portland Marina and a free slipway at Castletown.? 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 measures 370 to 53 and was salvaged, is broken. [8], The ship was powered by two 3-cylinder vertical triple-expansion steam engines, each driving one propeller. 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.

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