Maximum depth is about 6 to 7 metres depending on the state of the tide. 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. [65][66], On the northeast breakwater, at the southern end, directly opposite the fort, is the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse. MYRTLEDENE RAN ASHORE ON MARCH 25TH 1912 THIS SHIP WAS OFFERED FOR SALE WITH ITS CARGO OF IRON ORE FOR 100, BUT NEVER SOLD. The wreck is well scattered with intact bows. [40] Following this, RNAS Portland also closed in October 1999. 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. 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. 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. The tidal flow is limited to three areas through the breakwaters and at Ferrybridge where the harbour links to the Fleet. [49] The victualling store was built around 1850. [57][58] At the top of the Incline Road is the abandoned Old Engine Shed that once served the cable-operated inclined railway that ran to Castletown through the Navy Dockyard that is now Portland Port. However, it is tidal. [61], Situated across Portland Harbour's four breakwater arms are various defensive structures and related monuments. AN ACCOUNT OF THIS WRECK CAN BE READ BY CLICKING. Commercial activities on the land of the dock estate include fuel storage, natural gas storage, several engineering facilities and a shell fish specialist. The Royal Yachting Association had expressed interest in securing a suitable site locally for a number of decades, in order to make use of the harbour's natural advantages. The 6-inch gun was removed in 1924 and in 1934 two 12-pounder guns were transferred across from the recently decommissioned B Pier Head. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. The wreck was blown by explosives to clear the way for the Winfrith pipeline. There are dozens of popular recreational dive sites accessible from Portlandand literally hundreds of wrecks around the island as well as in the Channel. 18 in June 1914,[21] before being placed on the sale list in August 1914. [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. A new coaling pier was built between 1890 and 1896, and expanded coaling facilities were still being added in 1906. With the advent of the helicopter and its importance as an anti-submarine weapon, an airfield was formed following World War II. She was ordered to return home in March 1900 and paid off into reserve at Chatham Dockyard on 29 April 1900. A number of wrecks lie both inside and immediately outside the breakwater walls attracting hundreds of divers every year. In September 1910 Hood recommissioned to serve as flagship of the Senior Naval Officer, Coast of Ireland Station, while continuing as a receiving ship. This 380 battleship is upside down (turtle) and can be a very interesting dive. The aft portion was salvaged and converted to a new ship.
Portland Harbor Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". [49] The outer breakwater is also Grade II Listed. A Swedish steamship which sank off the Cave Hole on Portland in 1882. Mantle is buried in Portland's Royal Naval Cemetery, which overlooks the harbour. This is a British cargo ship of 5000 tons lying South of Portland. SUBMARINE M2. Eight water-tube boilers provided steam to the engines, which produced a maximum of 11,000 indicated horsepower (8,200kW) when forced. 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. [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], 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. 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. By 1913 the battery's armament included four 12-pounder guns and a 6-inch breech-loading (BL) Mk. A well-broken steamship of about 2000 tons standing 6 metres off the sea bed. [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 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. 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. 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. [74] The same site featured a World War I torpedo station. Name last changed on November She went first to Malta for temporary repairs, then on to England for permanent repairs at Chatham Dockyard, using her twin screws to steer for the entire voyage. 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. At the bow it dipped down to reinforce the ship's ram.[13]. STEAM TRAWLER BUILT 1918 BY FULLERTON & CO, PAISLEY. [55], In 1993, the Dockyard Offices became Grade II Listed. For details and photos visit our COUNTESS OF ERNE page. As above but the stern lies on her starboard side with the prop missing and on a gravel, shingle and sand sea bed. [70], On the North Eastern Breakwater, within the centre area, is a World War II coastal battery with coast artillery searchlights. 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. [64] Further along the same arm, towards Portland, are two World War II coast artillery searchlights. This 1154 iron sailing ship collided with the Forrest before sinking. These last five tubes were all above water.
Portland ALL 160 PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED. 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! The dive time is normally 1-2 hours before or 1-2 hours after HW and the dive area is from the vicinity of Grove point to Balaclava Bay. Advertisement. She collided with a Norwegian ship in 1889 and sank, now lying on a sand and shingle seabed. a detailed report on this accident can be read by clicking here. She took part in combined exercises of the Channel Fleet, Mediterranean Fleet, and Home Fleet off the coast of Portugal from 5 to 9 August 1903. [6] Bilge keels were fitted in 1894 which improved her manoeuvrability. 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. This 200 bucket dredger was used as a mine sweeper and was sunk by a mine in 1917. SUNK BY COLLISION WITH A TORPEDO DESTROYER IN PORTLAND ROADS. During 1913 and 1914 she was employed as a target for underwater protection experiments and was used in secret tests of anti-torpedo bulges. 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.
Five shipwrecks that haunt Dorset's underwater graveyard WebIn total, 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles would embark from Portland and Weymouth Harbours. [47], The harbour is a popular location for wind surfing, wreck diving and sailing. Fore and aft bulkheads, 1614-inch (406356mm) thick respectively, closed off the ends of the central citadel at the level of the waterline. [20], Later in 1911, Hood was towed to Portsmouth and listed for disposal. 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. These plans were not carried through, however a floating dry dock was introduced in 1914, enabling Portland to function as a repair and refit facility,[4] and by 1914 Portland was officially listed as a Naval Dockyard (remaining so until 1959). WebDONATE. A small Admirality trawler only 123 long that went aground on Blacknor Point in March 1920 in thick fog, slid off and sank there. The Countess of Erne is probably the most popular dive-site in Portland Harbour. SMB Required. 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. You can also find a detailed list of all inshore and offshore dive sites with their depths at the end of this page.? The original harbour was naturally protected by the south coast of England, Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland, providing refuge for ships against weather in all directions except east. The four identified areas for development are:[citation needed].
PORTLAND HARBOUR WRECKS 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. a naturalist trail beside the rocks it rests against. Divers are advised to watch their depth as the area has a number of drop-offs. The repairs began after she paid off on 5 December 1902 and she transferred to Devonport for a refit upon their completion. The wreck was discovered in 1998 some 7 miles sout of Worbarrow Tout. Bottlebank Drift (19m). For the port in Maine, see, Creation of harbour of refuge (18441872), Post-war role and closure of naval base (1946-1995), Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment, Portland Naval Communication Headquarters, Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment (AUWE), Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, "Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth and Portland (1020062)", "The Jurassic Coast - Portland and Weymouth", "Historic England Grade II listing: Dockyard Offices", "Isle of Portland Quarries - Geology by Ian West", "Details from listed building database (1021435)", "East Weare rifle range, Portland (1428958)", "Portland historian Stuart Morris on the importance of the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse", "Historic England Grade II listing: Inner and outer breakwater", "Digitally Copied Navy Lists available on line", "Danger UXB Portland's World War 2 UneXploded Bomb | Dorset Life - The Dorset Magazine", "WW2 People's War - H.M.S. This naval trawler was mined in October 1940 and lies in 60 metres. WebA significant number of UB-40s sinkings were in Dorset waters, including the LH Carl, sunk on the same day. Portland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England.
Shonas Wrecks [78] On site is a World War II 29 millimetre spigot mortar emplacement.[79][80]. The coastal battery opened in 1901 and was armed with two 12-pounder quick-firing (QF) guns for anti-torpedo craft defence. The battery was decommissioned in 1934. DURING THICK FOG ON THE 16TH JANUARY 1920, SHE DROVE STRAIGHT ONTO THE ROCKS, NORTH OF BLACKNOR POINT, PORTLAND. In September 2022, a project costing 26m for a deep-water berth upgrade was due to begin, intended to be completed by May 2023. There are recent attempts to salvage her and the conning tower. A requisitioned yacht sunk by German aircraft in 1940. 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. Her waterline main belt ranged in thickness between 14 to 18 inches (356 to 457mm) thick. [6], Portland Port Group became Statutory Harbour Authority for Portland Harbour on 1 January 1998, replacing the Queen's Harbour Master.
Above 18m: The Countess of Erne - divernet.com Hood was placed into reserve at Devonport on 3 January 1905, where she remained until February 1907. If youre looking for local, recreational diving, whether it be wrecks, reefs or drift, check out the. She was 1124 tons and well blown. Hood also mounted a dozen QF 3-pounder Hotchkiss guns mounted in the superstructure and fighting tops. she became a total loss. This is on the outside of the breakwater and just around the corner from the Fort. +44(0)1305824555info@underwaterexplorers.co.uk VIDEOS ABOUT US | CONTACT HOME BLOG SALES In-store Sales Our Brands Santi Diving Go Shop online Online This site offers some of the most enchanting sea life scenes in the area and is the spot where authors of this site first witnessed the Dance of the Cuttlefish, an amazing scene involving a dozen cuttlefish swaying in one place replicating the colours of each other. Advertisement. The battleship Russell relieved Hood on 28 September 1904. Chequered Fort (18m). [84] A number of pillboxes were built around East Weare Battery. SS PREVEZA RAN ASHORE ON CHESIL BEACH 15TH JAN 1920. WebDespite weather warnings (which the captain may or may not have received), the ship headed northeast out of the harbor on a track to Portland, Maine. The Countess of Erne is probably the most popular dive-site in Portland Harbour. This is on the outside of the breakwater and just around the corner from the Fort.