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. 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. MARBELLA TO ROTTERDAM. This British S class submarine sank first in 1955 with the loss of 13 men and was raised and sunk again as an underwater sonar target. There is some sea life amid the large rocks. PORTLAND HARBOUR WRECKS In 1944 emplacements were constructed to replace the 12-pounder guns with 6-pounders. This 3000 ton Spanish steamship dragged her anchor in a Force 9 gale in December 1900 and was grounded on the rocks close to the Breakwater where she slipped and eventually sank. This 5965 ton Belgian passenger liner, 420 with 57 beam, sunk in September 1939 by a mine en route to Antwerp. General History Group created on November 15, 2013. SHORE: Chesil Cove (day and night), the Adelaide & Nor (day), Newtons Cove (night). [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. Each gun was provided with 80 shells. She measures 240 by 32. During 1913 and 1914 she was employed as a target for underwater protection experiments and was used in secret tests of anti-torpedo bulges. James Fennel (18m). She now lies in two parts on a shingle sea bed. to British and foreign naval vessels. [20] In 1905, the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse was erected on the southern end of northeast breakwater, where it continues to operate today.[21]. 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. [4], Hood's protection used both compound armour and nickel steel armour. [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. She was 1124 tons and well blown. She is broken up and difficult to locate. The inner breakwater, with its jetty, former victualling store and Inner Pierhead Fort, are Grade II Listed. This British submarine was sunk as a target after colliding with the HMS Hazard. 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. From scenic shore dives to passenger liners and U-Boatslying on the seabed theres a dive for every level of experience. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. Better still, the premises boasts a number of additional facilities from rinsing showers to drying rooms, toilets and excellent cafe, even on-site accommodation if you want to stay local. +44(0)1305824555info@underwaterexplorers.co.uk VIDEOS ABOUT US | CONTACT HOME BLOG SALES In-store Sales Our Brands Santi Diving Go Shop online Online [19] Subsequently, she was photographed in dry dock at Portsmouth by the crew of Naval Airship No. These wrecks are accessible? Nearly 400 souls were lost on her. 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. As the Royal Navy grew in size towards the end of the 19th century, additional accommodation was required for boys' training, which saw the arrival of HMS Minotaur in 1898 and Agincourt in 1904; they were named Boscawen II and Boscawen III respectively. However, despite published reports in 1996 revealing that Portland Port Ltd were interested in the renovation of historic coastal fortifications in the area, no restoration of any kind has taken place.[40]. Ideal for diving all season. Both seacocks and explosives were used to sink her, but she rolled to port and capsized onto seabed. SMB Required. An ex American submarine sunk on purpose, upright, as a sonar target in August 1947. Declared a total loss in April 1945. This 653 ton Belgian steamship sank as result of a torpedo attack in March 1918. [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. [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. In September 2022, a project costing 26m for a deep-water berth upgrade was due to begin, intended to be completed by May 2023. It is naturally protected by Portland to the south, Chesil Beach to the west and mainland Dorset to the north. The wreck's hull structure remains largely in tact and makes her one of The ground varies from ledges to very rocky undulating ground. General History Group created on November 15, 2013. WebPortland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. Eight water-tube boilers provided steam to the engines, which produced a maximum of 11,000 indicated horsepower (8,200kW) when forced. This is on the outside of the breakwater and just around the corner from the Fort. Depending on the tide, divers can get a good drift dive in this area. She lies broken but is a good dive and can be clearly made out as a submarine. It is a must-do for any new visitor to Portland and a dive we regularly repeat ourselves over the season. On descending, follow the wall down until you reach the gravel and sandy bottom at about 18 metres. One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. It makes a powerful dive in good visibility and is full of fish. 11 souls were lost on her. [50], East Weare Battery was built in the 1860s to protect the harbour. [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. BUILT AS STRATH CLASS AUXILLIARY PATROL VESSEL. [76], The Weymouth end breakwater features the C Pier Head Battery on the southern tip. At the Breakwater Fort is a World War II 29 millimetre spigot mortar emplacement,[62] a pillbox,[63] and a battery observation post. 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. [10] The breakwaters were declared complete by HRH Edward the Prince of Wales on 10 August 1872. Unfortunately, conditions worsened quickly and the vessel was caught in a major storm with strong winds, high seas, and snow-impaired visibility. It measures 370 to 53 and was salvaged, is broken. It is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. This 1120 ton Norwegian cargo vessel was torpedoed and sunk in March 1919. 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. Above 18m: The Countess of Erne - divernet.com The wreck lies turtle, twisted, and her highest point off the sea bed is about seven metres. However, it is tidal. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 sheltered Portland Harbour can be dived throughout the season in most conditions other than gale force winds. The seabed is made out of shifting gravel and parts of the wreck stand 7 metres high. Aside from the training of Royal Navy ships, many ships of NATO countries also trained and frequented at the 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. The battleship Russell relieved Hood on 28 September 1904. [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. One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. [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. In the past this wreck was called both the HMS Hazard and the HMS Bittern. [40] Following this, RNAS Portland also closed in October 1999. The wreckage itself is pretty much broken up and is in two parts but offers good swim throughs and plenty of fish, squid? The areas most popular drift dive which offers plenty of activities for divers at all levels, including scalloping and sea life identification. [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". 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. The 6-inch gun was removed in 1924 and in 1934 two 12-pounder guns were transferred across from the recently decommissioned B Pier Head. Divers are advised to watch their depth as the area has a number of drop-offs. There are large chains on her. MORE PICTURES AND DETAILS OF PORTLAND SHIPWRECKS CAN BE FOUND HERE. [49] The outer breakwater is also Grade II Listed. Pictures: The shipwrecks of Portland and Chesil This is a very rewarding dive with depths ranging from 16 to 25 metres maximum. Hood, the last of the eight Royal Sovereign-class battleships to be built, differed significantly from the other ships of her class in that she had a forward freeboard of only 11feet 3inches (3.43m) compared to 19feet 6inches (5.94m) of the other ships. A FEW DAYS LATER, AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO TOW HER OFF THE ROCKS BUT SHE SANK IMMEDIATELY. Frequent visitor John Liddiard reveals his route. In 1946, Hoverfly R-4Bs began operating from the base's playing fields, which were transformed into a landing ground. She measures 260 and lies on her port side standing 5 to 6 metres in places. Name last changed on November GERMAN LINER BULOW ASHORE AT MUTTON COVE PORTLAND 1943. [65][66], On the northeast breakwater, at the southern end, directly opposite the fort, is the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse. Shipwrecks in Oregon Given the depth and limited tidal range, the predominant habitat within the Harbour is one that is truly marine. [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. [39] At the time, the Dockyard employed 'some 1,600 industrial and non-industrial staff'. [15] In 1897 and 1898, the ship served as part of the International Squadron, a multinational force made up of ships of the Austro-Hungarian Navy, French Navy, Imperial German Navy, Italian Royal Navy (Regia Marina), Imperial Russian Navy, and Royal Navy that intervened in the 1897-1898 Greek uprising on Crete. 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. Located as it is inside the breakwater, the wreck is well-protected from wind and waves. 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. [71][72] Further along the arm is a 29 millimetre spigot mortar emplacement. January 2014 issue of Diver magazine by John Liddiard and Max Ellis. She stands 6 metres high in some places. SS PATROCLUS SALVAGE OPERATION 1907. [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. ALL 160 PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED. She differed from the other ships of the class in that she had cylindrical gun turrets instead of barbettes and a lower freeboard. [12] Below the eastern side of the citadel, East Weare Battery was built during the 1860s, along with the detention barracks East Weare Camp. 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. [49] At the south-west end of Prince Consort Walk is a carved commemorative stone for the completion of the breakwaters in 1872. She measures 260 by 32 and stands 7 metres in places. SHE BECAME A TOTAL LOSS. This is a British cargo ship of 5000 tons lying South of Portland. Mined in June 1940, all that remains is the well-scattered remains of the bow section of this Britich oil tanker of 7101 tons. 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. WebIn total, 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles would embark from Portland and Weymouth Harbours. She was replaced by HMS Boscawen in 1866 (following Britannia's relocation to Dartmouth). 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. a detailed report on this accident can be read by clicking here. She is approximately 240 long and with a 29 beam she lies upright on the bottom. FREE FRENCH SUBMARINE (MINERVA) ASHORE AT PORTLAND IN 1945 WHEN IT BROKE ITS TOW LINE. In April 1909, the ship was refitted and partially stripped at Devonport, after which she began service as a receiving ship at Queenstown, Ireland. Intact and lying on its side. The port is used by all nature of vessels from commercial ships such as bulkers, tankers, container carriers car carriers, survey and Reefers etc. Portland Harbor Shipwrecks - portlandharbormuseum.org [9] Known as the Admiralty Quarries, they provided 10,000 tons of stone per week. WebDespite weather warnings (which the captain may or may not have received), the ship headed northeast out of the harbor on a track to Portland, Maine. She was built in the early 1880s and the conversion took place 1889. She lies on a sand and broken shell sea bed. The exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. [13][14] On the end of the inner breakwater was the Inner Pierhead Fort, and on the outer breakwater the circular Breakwater Fort. The Bombardon Unit is a star shaped barges with lots of hatches. For detailed information and photographs of this wreck visit our DREDGER PAGE. Designed by engineer James Meadows Rendel, the work carried out under civil engineer John Towlerton Leather, with Rendel as engineer in chief (until his death in 1856), and John Coode as resident engineer. SMB Required. The battery was decommissioned in 1934. WRECK ON CHESIL BEACH (DOROTHEA) FEBRUARY 14TH 1914. C E HEINKE AND COs DIVING APPARATUS WAS USED IN THE SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OPERATIONS. Five shipwrecks that haunt Dorset's underwater graveyard One of the most popular boat dives from Portland this submarine is an official War Grave. 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. Portland Harbour 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. Formerly the Marie this iron wreck ship was sunk by a German submarine in May 1917. [14], On 25 June 1903 Hood relieved the battleship Collingwood in the Home Fleet. She was built in 1918 as a K-boat and in 1927 she was converted to carry a light sea plane in a hangar in front of the conning tower. [2] It consists of four breakwaters two southern and two northern. [47], The harbour is a popular location for wind surfing, wreck diving and sailing. Torch Recommended. [19] By 1903, the East Weares Rifle Range served the navy and other military soldiers on the eastern side of the island. 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. These have a total length of 4.57km (2.84mi) and enclose approximately 1,000ha (2,500 acres) of water. 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. This Norwegian steamer carried a cargo of coal when it was torpedoed in December 1917 and sunk. A major problem with the four of these guns mounted on the upper deck was that they were mounted low in the ship and were unusable at high speed or in heavy weather. [31] In July 1940, the anti-aircraft ship HMS Foylebank was attacked by Stuka dive-bombers and sank in the 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. This vessel was a sand dredger and makes an excellent dive both for training and as? If youre looking for local, recreational diving, whether it be wrecks, reefs or drift, check out the. These last five tubes were all above water. This is the areas most interesting and colourful shore dive but is tide dependent. The exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. 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. This article is about the harbour in England. In February 1958 it was announced in Parliament by the First Lord of the Admiralty that Portland Dockyard was to close the following year (though the naval base would be retained). MYRTLEDENE RAN ASHORE ON MARCH 25TH 1912 THIS SHIP WAS OFFERED FOR SALE WITH ITS CARGO OF IRON ORE FOR 100, BUT NEVER SOLD. [68] During World War II a petroleum warfare site consisting of four flame throwers were located on 'A' Head. Frequent visitor John Liddiard reveals his route. [11] As a measure against submarine attack, the battleship HMS Hood was scuttled across the harbour's southern entrance in 1914. Hood also mounted a dozen QF 3-pounder Hotchkiss guns mounted in the superstructure and fighting tops. Youll find vast information on Portland dive sites from local boat operators. DUTCH STEAMSHIP GT2035 . 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. Please be careful while diving this wreck and do not touch artefacts as it is currently a study project. The port also sees various cruise ship calls bringing visitors to the Dorset area. The Dredger lies right outside of Portland Harbour within the shelter of Balaclava bay, right in front of the large winch and many anchors that can be spotted from see. VII gun. All boats and vessels including kayaks & boards within the harbour require harbour permits. ARMED. [14] She arrived at Malta on 3 July 1893, relieving the battleship Colossus. Portland Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". 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. A DETAILED REPORT ON THIS ACCIDENT CAN BE READ BY CLICKING HERE. Stands 4 to 5 metres high in some points. This 80 MFV was last heard of in 1974 and all crew were lost. [37] Within the same statement Sheerness Dockyard and a number of other naval establishments were also slated for closure. The James Fennel also can be drifted or done as part of a drift dive. The exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. Portland Harbor [44] The breakwaters lead to a restricted water exchange which in turn leads to elevated water temperatures; several marine species inhabit the harbour beyond the typical northern limits of their range. Inshore wrecks [18] In 1902, additional defences were constructed, including Upton Fort at Osmington and Blacknor Fort on the western side of Portland. 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. SMB Required. The second of only two Victoria Crosses awarded for action in the United Kingdom was posthumously bestowed on Jack Foreman Mantle, who died at his post on the ship. bournemouth. The port's aim was of developing the ship repair, leisure and tourism potential of the harbour. Two days before the exercises ended, Hood damaged her rudder on the seabed while leaving Argostoli Harbor on 4 October 1902. Above 18m: The Countess of Erne - divernet.com One of the few large wrecks on the East side of the bill. By 1913 the battery's armament included four 12-pounder guns and a 6-inch breech-loading (BL) Mk. Portland This 1300 ton armed merchant steamship was torpedoed by a German U boat and sank in 1918 while carrying railway lines. [24] Onshore amenities included a range of storehouses, workshops and office buildings. HISTORY. [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. The wreck was blown by explosives to clear the way for the Winfrith pipeline. STEAM TRAWLER BUILT 1918 BY FULLERTON & CO, PAISLEY. This facility was open by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in April 2009 and is situated directly adjacent to the National Sailing Academy. [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. The Red Band Fish and Lumpsuckers that visit the Countess seasonally are occasionally even joined by seals. One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. Tidal flow within the Harbour is generally anti-clockwise, sweeping away from the Fleet, through the Port area and through the South Ship Channel. 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. In the 20th century, Portland became increasingly renowned for its training and research facilities. Shes a Greek registered bulk freighter of 14,000 tons and lies on a limestone sea bed on her port side. The tidal range within the Harbour is small and in the order of 1.5-2.3m. Portland Port Ltd, formed in December 1994, took possession of the site immediately and their purchase was completed on 12 December 1996.