You can also find a detailed list of all inshore and offshore dive sites with their depths at the end of this page.? In September 1910 Hood recommissioned to serve as flagship of the Senior Naval Officer, Coast of Ireland Station, while continuing as a receiving ship. TRIPLE-EXPANSION ENGINE. Depending on the tide, divers can get a good drift dive in this area. This is on the outside of the breakwater and just around the corner from the Fort. She was built in the early 1880s and the conversion took place 1889. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. [37] Within the same statement Sheerness Dockyard and a number of other naval establishments were also slated for closure. Offshore wrecks 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. 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. [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. 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. In 2003 the academy was able to start redevelopment of the site. 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. Commercial activities on the land of the dock estate include fuel storage, natural gas storage, several engineering facilities and a shell fish specialist. As above but the stern lies on her starboard side with the prop missing and on a gravel, shingle and sand sea bed. Today, Salsette lies on her port side in 45m with her starboard rail around 32m. Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. The jetty is only a short walk from the car park and centre. There are large chains on her. [54] It is Grade II Listed. A FEW DAYS LATER, AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO TOW HER OFF THE ROCKS BUT SHE SANK IMMEDIATELY. Slack water is +1/2 hours HW Portland or -4 Hours HW Portland. It is badly broken up with large pieces of machinery present and lying in a rock shingle sea bed. Intact and lying on its side. WebA significant number of UB-40s sinkings were in Dorset waters, including the LH Carl, sunk on the same day. HMS Hood (1891 [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. DURING THICK FOG ON THE 16TH JANUARY 1920, SHE DROVE STRAIGHT ONTO THE ROCKS, NORTH OF BLACKNOR POINT, PORTLAND. [35] The remaining two units now act as a wind-break, helping ships berth at Queen's Pier in the harbour. If you want to shore dive instead, check out our guide to Chesil Cove. JAMES FENNELL SS. Unfortunately, conditions worsened quickly and the vessel was caught in a major storm with strong winds, high seas, and snow-impaired visibility. The ground varies from ledges to very rocky undulating ground. A Swedish steamship which sank off the Cave Hole on Portland in 1882. Inshore wrecks 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. She measures 260 and lies on her port side standing 5 to 6 metres in places. to British and foreign naval vessels. 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. [13][14] On the end of the inner breakwater was the Inner Pierhead Fort, and on the outer breakwater the circular Breakwater Fort. She sits upright on a shingle and gravel seabed. She stands 15 metres and is a huge wreck with her bows broken off and amid ship and stern listing Starboard. [29], In 1917 the RNAS seaplane base at Portland was commissioned as HMS Sarepta. 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! This British submarine was sunk as a target after colliding with the HMS Hazard. [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. [25], Support facilities for the fleet were also added over time, including a canteen and recreation ground. Black Hawk (Bow). Pictures: The shipwrecks of Portland and Chesil In April 2000 the contract was signed for a new bunkering jetty and berth, which came into service in 2005. [20], Later in 1911, Hood was towed to Portsmouth and listed for disposal. The sheltered Portland Harbour can be dived throughout the season in most conditions other than gale force winds. [37] The AUWE later became infamous for espionage infiltration, known as the Portland Spy Ring.[38]. A DETAILED REPORT ON THIS ACCIDENT CAN BE READ BY CLICKING HERE. SS OKAHANDJA WENT ASHORE AT WESTCLIFF JUNE 1910. [51] In addition to this, The 'E' section of the battery is Grade II Listed and has become a scheduled monument too. Webmore pictures and details of portland shipwrecks can be found here. 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. 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. As an Admirality armed trawler the Arfon sank in 1917 when she hit a mine. 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). Many of these are still in existence today, however are derelict and remain unopened to the public. [59][60] The shed has been Grade II Listed since 2001. PORTLAND HARBOUR WRECKS For detailed information and photographs of this wreck visit our DREDGER PAGE. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". 215 TONS, 123X22FT. It is an interesting, but silty, dive and offers an underwater platform for training activities. 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. Mined in June 1940, all that remains is the well-scattered remains of the bow section of this Britich oil tanker of 7101 tons. SMB Required. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. HMS Hood was a modified Royal Sovereign-class pre-dreadnought battleship built for the Royal Navy in the early 1890s. 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. A fine modern and recent wreck lying off St Albans Head. Portland 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. Its shore-based activities continued, moving from temporary accommodation in Weymouth to accommodation in East Weare, just south of the Dockyard. 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. Although mortally wounded he continued to fire his gun against the attackers until he died. S.S. SANDAL ON FIRE PORTLAND HARBOUR 1907. Ideal for diving all season. There is some sea life amid the large rocks. The battleship Russell relieved Hood on 28 September 1904. she became a total loss. 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. SHE BECAME A TOTAL LOSS. Advertisement. Visible Anyone can find this group. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. A driver died after crashing on NE Marine Drive early Monday morning, according to Portland police. It is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. Located as it is inside the breakwater, the wreck is well-protected from wind and waves. [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. Some 250,000 tonnes of Portland Stone was used in creating the 875m breakwater and associated reclaimed land. 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. On descending, follow the wall down until you reach the gravel and sandy bottom at about 18 metres. as well as the dozens of hermit and spider crabs. CARGO WAS TIMBER. Commercial dive boats and club boats launching from harbour. 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. In its entirety, the Harbour is an ecosystem of very high importance including a number of nationally important habitats and species. In the 20th century, Portland became increasingly renowned for its training and research facilities. 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. 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. 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. 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. GT 213. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. [83] Another coast artillery searchlight was situated further south of this. WebIn total, 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles would embark from Portland and Weymouth Harbours. Visible Anyone can find this group. 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. In May 1896, Hood steamed from Malta to Crete to protect British interests and subjects there during unrest among Cretan Greeks who opposed the Ottoman Empires rule of the island. 18 in June 1914,[21] before being placed on the sale list in August 1914. The wreck lies turtle, twisted, and her highest point off the sea bed is about seven metres. HMS Hood (1891 Wreck Shipwrecks in Oregon The Portland Harbour Revision Order 2010 provides for the creation of new berths and hardstand areas at the port in order to allow increased commercial activities over the next 50 years. This is an East Inidiaman that struck the Shambles bank and sunk in front of Weymouth in 1805 with a large loss of life. Portland Topedoed by a German sub in December 1944, towed into Worbarrow and beached. PORTLAND HARBOUR WRECKS She was 518 tons and built in 1864. 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. The small landing craft lies beside the Breakwater wall and is almost completely intact with its landing doors closed. The armour of the main-deck casemates was 6 inches thick and that of the forward conning tower was 14 inches thick. Depending on the tide, divers can get a good drift dive in this area. This site is right inside of the harbour close to the Hood entrance and can offer an excitingly good drift dive but in poor visibility and weather conditions, must be done with a torch. Hood's secondary armament consisted of ten 40-calibre 6-inch Mk I-III guns mounted in casemates in the superstructure. Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. In recent years the number of cruise ship calls have increased at the port. 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. Topedoed by a German sub in December 1944, towed into Worbarrow and beached. There are items of unexploded ammunition on her including depth charges. Both seacocks and explosives were used to sink her, but she rolled to port and capsized onto seabed. Declared a total loss in April 1945. [45], The Harbour was sold off by the Royal Navy in 1996 allowing it to be used as both a centre for water sports and as a service facility for Channel shipping. WebIn total, 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles would embark from Portland and Weymouth Harbours. [71][72] Further along the arm is a 29 millimetre spigot mortar emplacement. [31] In July 1940, the anti-aircraft ship HMS Foylebank was attacked by Stuka dive-bombers and sank in the harbour. WHEN THE CAPTAIN DROVE ASHORE IN CHESIL COVE ON SEPT. 20TH 1930. Commercial activities on the water include specialist diving services for vessels and repairs & maintenance as well as a bunkering (fuelling) station. In the past this wreck was called both the HMS Hazard and the HMS Bittern. The wreck was blown by explosives to clear the way for the Winfrith pipeline. The ship was placed in reserve in 1907 and later became the receiving ship at Queenstown, Ireland. SUBMARINE M2. [64] Further along the same arm, towards Portland, are two World War II coast artillery searchlights. Shonas Wrecks Advertisement. The M2 is a one-of-a-kind submarine aircraft carrier which sank off Portland in 1932 during routine exercises (see panel). The development is designed to increase berthing opportunities and provide more operational land. This 1274 British armed steamship measures 230 by 34 and was torbedoed and sunk by a German submarine in October 1917. This pre-World War MTB destroyer sank while being towed back to Portland after being used as a target for battleship practice and taking two direct hits on her guns. [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. This 1154 iron sailing ship collided with the Forrest before sinking. The arm is known as the Bincleaves Groyne. [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. WebPortland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. The depth of this steamship varies according to sources (if you have updates please e-mail them to us). FOST was relocated to Devonport. 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. Name last changed on November The M2 is a one-of-a-kind submarine aircraft carrier which sank off Portland in 1932 during routine exercises (see panel). Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [24] Before being installed on the battlecruiser, the bell was inscribed around the base with the words: "This bell was preserved from HMS Hood battleship 18911914 by the late rear admiral, The Honourable Sir Horace Hood KCB, DSO, MVO killed at Jutland on 31st May 1916. Going out on a bearing of 240 degrees right under slipway can be rewarding and lead to depths in excess of 17 to 18 metres. [82] A little further south is a coast artillery searchlight. This 200 bucket dredger was used as a mine sweeper and was sunk by a mine in 1917. SHE WAS DEMOLISHED WITH EXPLOSIVES IN 1904. 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. Portland Harbour Wrecks Given the depth and limited tidal range, the predominant habitat within the Harbour is one that is truly marine. The four identified areas for development are:[citation needed]. 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. At the bow it dipped down to reinforce the ship's ram.[13]. In this section we look at dives available around Portland and inside Portland Marina with links to photos and information on the most popular harbour dives. [43], Royal Navy operations ceased on 21 July 1995 and the harbour was sold on 29 March 1996. Pictures: The shipwrecks of Portland and Chesil Other causes of shipwrecks include mechanical failure and rough coastal weather on unforgiving rocky shores. Advertisement. [6], Over time, Portland was successively the base for the Channel and Home Fleets, as well as part of the Reserve Fleet, and it also served as a depot for submarines. This WWII destroyer is a war grave and was lost to German aircraft torpedo attack in June 1944 with 150 souls on board. Portland Harbour is home to several sites for wreck-dives, and STUART PHILPOTT never tires of exploring one of the most popular. The harbour had already been used by ships for centuries when, in the 16th century, King Henry VIII built Portland Castle and Sandsfoot Castle to defend the anchorage. [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. She lies upright. 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. This vessel was a sand dredger and makes an excellent dive both for training and as? At times this area is used to conduct training deep dives that require a depth deeper than 18 metres. [9] Known as the Admiralty Quarries, they provided 10,000 tons of stone per week. [19], The ship's bell was later used as one of at least two bells [23] on the battlecruiser HMSHood. 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. This small landing craft lies beside the Breakwater wall and close to the Bombardon unit. [16] In 1892, the Verne High Angle Battery was built in a disused quarry near the Verne Citadel, but was decommissioned in 1906. [70], On the North Eastern Breakwater, within the centre area, is a World War II coastal battery with coast artillery searchlights. The Red Band Fish and Lumpsuckers that visit the Countess seasonally are occasionally even joined by seals. a detailed report on this accident can be read by clicking here. The inner breakwater, with its jetty, former victualling store and Inner Pierhead Fort, are Grade II Listed. In 2004 changes led to Portland Harbour Authority Ltd becoming the Statutory and Competent Harbour Authority and Portland Port Ltd the Port Operator. PORTLAND, Ore. A driver died after crashing on NE Marine Drive early Monday morning, according to Portland police. These last five tubes were all above water. 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). This can be an exciting dive is planned correctly but divers should be aware that an outward tide will rapidly move them towards the eddy race after Grove point and beside Portland Bill. +44(0)1305824555info@underwaterexplorers.co.uk VIDEOS ABOUT US | CONTACT HOME BLOG SALES In-store Sales Our Brands Santi Diving Go Shop online Online An ex American submarine sunk on purpose, upright, as a sonar target in August 1947. 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. [6], Portland Port Group became Statutory Harbour Authority for Portland Harbour on 1 January 1998, replacing the Queen's Harbour Master. In 2005 WPNSA was selected to host the sailing events at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Harbour Wrecks SHORE: Chesil Cove (day and night), the Adelaide & Nor (day), Newtons Cove (night). 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. SS PREVEZA RAN ASHORE ON CHESIL BEACH 15TH JAN 1920. SCHOONER DEVORAN. Wreck VII gun. Visibility in this area can sometimes be as good as 20 metres and it is a much rewarding dive for underwater hunters. WebDONATE. ARMED WITH A 12 POUNDER GUN. She lies on a sand and broken shell sea bed. This was intended to allow them to reach a speed of 17.5 knots (32.4km/h; 20.1mph). [56] At the end of Castletown village is the former Dockyard Police Station - also Grade II Listed. STEAM TRAWLER BUILT 1918 BY FULLERTON & CO, PAISLEY. The wreck was discovered in 1998 some 7 miles sout of Worbarrow Tout. by (club) or (commercial) dive boats with launching possible from various points including Portland Marina and a free slipway at Castletown.? She differed from the other ships of the class in that she had cylindrical gun turrets instead of barbettes and a lower freeboard. Stands 4 to 5 metres high in some points. A purpose-built pier projecting into the harbour from the factory was used for torpedo testing and practice firing. [68] During World War II a petroleum warfare site consisting of four flame throwers were located on 'A' Head. This 1080 ton British submarine measures 230 by 24 and sunk in 1924 after a collusion with the HMS Resolution. [74] The same site featured a World War I torpedo station.