The Countess of Erne is probably the most popular dive-site in Portland Harbour. Features include an easily Especially in good sea conditions a dive on the deeper edge of the shambles can be very rewarding for divers with varying interests. [4], Coaling facilities were initially integrated into the design of the inner breakwater. 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. 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. WRECK ON CHESIL BEACH (DOROTHEA) FEBRUARY 14TH 1914. 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. The Countess of Erne is probably the most popular dive-site in Portland Harbour. 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. The Red Band Fish and Lumpsuckers that visit the Countess seasonally are occasionally even joined by seals. As an Admirality armed trawler the Arfon sank in 1917 when she hit a mine. This is a very rewarding dive with depths ranging from 16 to 25 metres maximum. The vessel broke into two after impact and sunk. In April 2000 the contract was signed for a new bunkering jetty and berth, which came into service in 2005. 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]. There is some sea life amid the large rocks. [10], Defence against torpedo boats was provided by eight QF 6-pounder guns, although the exact type of gun is not known. Another good resource of dive site information can be found at the Dive Beyond Dive Sites page travelling from Castletown beach using RHIBs. 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. [11] Part of the Falklands War task force sailed from Portland in 1982. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. This 4500 ton Greek steamship was mined in November 1939 during its voyage to Antwerp. to Lyme Bay and further out in the English Channel. [9] Known as the Admiralty Quarries, they provided 10,000 tons of stone per week. WRECK OF PATRIA 1903. [43], Royal Navy operations ceased on 21 July 1995 and the harbour was sold on 29 March 1996. Both seacocks and explosives were used to sink her, but she rolled to port and capsized onto seabed. [24] Onshore amenities included a range of storehouses, workshops and office buildings. Both seacocks and explosives were used to sink her, but she rolled to port and capsized onto seabed. [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. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". 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. Ideal for diving all season. A 4343 steamer she was sunk in July 1940 by a German E-boat. 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. Portland Harbour is home to several sites for wreck-dives, and STUART PHILPOTT never tires of exploring one of the most popular. It is badly silted and fairly broken up but is full of marine life. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. 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 is definitely one dive you could do over and over again! 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 development is designed to increase berthing opportunities and provide more operational land. [19] By 1903, the East Weares Rifle Range served the navy and other military soldiers on the eastern side of the island. [25], Support facilities for the fleet were also added over time, including a canteen and recreation ground. [13][14] On the end of the inner breakwater was the Inner Pierhead Fort, and on the outer breakwater the circular Breakwater Fort. The wreck was discovered in 1998 some 7 miles sout of Worbarrow Tout. A 6127 ton French liner which was torpedoed by a German E boat in 1940. Webmore pictures and details of portland shipwrecks can be found here. 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. She was 1124 tons and well blown. However, it is tidal. 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). [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. Dutch steamship of 6800 tons mined and sunk in 1939 just East of the adamant shoal, approximately 500 long. GT 213. About 190203 the 6-pounders on the main deck were removed; two were remounted on the superstructure, but the other two were not replaced. One of the few large wrecks on the East side of the bill. Her waterline main belt ranged in thickness between 14 to 18 inches (356 to 457mm) thick. The exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. 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 is reported to be a wreck with a deck at 58 metres sitting at 70+ metres of a sea bed and 400 ft long. 21 souls were lost on her. [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". The top is in 36 metres of water. 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. [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. WebPortland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. 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. Coastal steamship bombed in 1940 she stands about 10 metres off the sea bed. Landing Craft and Bombardon Unit (17-19m). Entry into the water should be made from the slipway towards the Cove Pub as this area is reserved mainly for divers. [50], East Weare Battery was built in the 1860s to protect the harbour. SCHOONER DEVORAN. She served most of her active career in the Mediterranean Sea, where her low freeboard was less of a disadvantage. She is approximately 240 long and with a 29 beam she lies upright on the bottom. [55], In 1993, the Dockyard Offices became Grade II Listed. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. At the same time the above-water torpedo tubes were removed. The Countess of Erne is probably the most popular dive-site in Portland Harbour. [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. 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. Below the armoured deck their armour was reduced to 11 inches (279mm). For details and photos visit our COUNTESS OF ERNE page. Intact and lying on its side. THE WRECK WHICH WAS SOLD FOR 1. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". She stands 8 metres high in some places. There is some sea life amid the large rocks. In the past this wreck was called both the HMS Hazard and the HMS Bittern. ALTHOUGH FLOATED OFF THE BREAKWATER IN 1901 IT WAS EVENTUALLY WRECKED OFF THE ORKNEY ISLES ON 21st FEBRUARY 1906. By the First World War the 12-pounder guns had been removed and replaced with a 6-inch breech-loading (BL) Mk. 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. She lies upright. VII gun. [78] On site is a World War II 29 millimetre spigot mortar emplacement.[79][80]. [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. The armour of the main-deck casemates was 6 inches thick and that of the forward conning tower was 14 inches thick. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. on the inside of the harbour, against a breakwater: the Spaniard - barge 50 metres south-west of the Chequered Fort, This page was last edited on 30 April 2023, at 05:30. Commercial activities on the water include specialist diving services for vessels and repairs & maintenance as well as a bunkering (fuelling) station. 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. The academy was established as a not-for-profit company in 1999, and originally operated from various disused military buildings and facilities. This 1120 ton Norwegian cargo vessel was torpedoed and sunk in March 1919. Frequent visitor John Liddiard reveals his route. Two days before the exercises ended, Hood damaged her rudder on the seabed while leaving Argostoli Harbor on 4 October 1902. 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. 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. she became a total loss. SHORE: Chesil Cove (day and night), the Adelaide & Nor (day), Newtons Cove (night). A DETAILED HISTORY OF THIS SHIP AND ITS MISHAPS CAN BE READ BY CLICKING HERE. Measuring 200 in length it was partly salvaged. HISTORY. 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. It is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. 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 National Sailing Academy which hosted sailing events in the 2012 Olympic Games, is located on the south-western shore of 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. It makes a powerful dive in good visibility and is full of fish. AN ACCOUNT OF THIS WRECK CAN BE READ BY CLICKING HERE. One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. Unfortunately, conditions worsened quickly and the vessel was caught in a major storm with strong winds, high seas, and snow-impaired visibility. 12-18m Range: Countess of Erne, Enecuri, Bombardon Unit & Landing Craft, the Dredger, James Fennel, Black Hawk (bow). King George V watched aerial displays from the royal yacht in the harbour in May 1912. 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. ARMED. 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. This British armed tug was sunk by accident while towing a target in August 1946 and now lies on a shingle seabed uprights and intact. The aft portion was salvaged and converted to a new ship. This was seen as a vindication of the barbette/high-freeboard design in the rest of her class, and all subsequent British battleship classes had high freeboard. This German submarine sank in May 1918. Hood was placed into reserve at Devonport on 3 January 1905, where she remained until February 1907. Sunk in December 1944. The Bombardon Unit is a star shaped barges with lots of hatches. 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. Portland Harbour is home to several sites for wreck-dives, and STUART PHILPOTT never tires of exploring one of the most popular. A FEW DAYS LATER, AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO TOW HER OFF THE ROCKS BUT SHE SANK IMMEDIATELY. She lies broken but is a good dive and can be clearly made out as a submarine. Tide flow in this area can give divers a drift of up to 2 knots. [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. From scenic shore dives to passenger liners and U-Boatslying on the seabed theres a dive for every level of experience. 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. 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 is on the outside of the breakwater and just around the corner from the Fort. This 80 MFV was last heard of in 1974 and all crew were lost. It is badly broken up with large pieces of machinery present and lying in a rock shingle sea bed. There are dozens of popular recreational dive sites accessible from Portlandand literally hundreds of wrecks around the island as well as in the Channel. [35] The remaining two units now act as a wind-break, helping ships berth at Queen's Pier in the harbour. the ss bournemouth wrecked on rocks near portland bill 1886. all 160 passengers were rescued. In 2003 the academy was able to start redevelopment of the site. Seven months later, on 12 December 1900, Hood recommissioned to relieve the elderly ironclad Thunderer as port guard ship at Pembroke Dock. the ss bournemouth wrecked on rocks near portland bill 1886. all 160 passengers were rescued. A fine modern and recent wreck lying off St Albans Head. PORTLAND, Ore. A driver died after crashing on NE Marine Drive early Monday morning, according to Portland police. 40-60m RANGE: Salsette, Buccaneer, Merchant Royal, Warrior 2. General History Group created on November 15, 2013. The seabed is made out of shifting gravel and parts of the wreck stand 7 metres high. One of the first arrivals at the new set up was a prison ship HM Prison Weare, which remained in use until 2006. 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. [20], Later in 1911, Hood was towed to Portsmouth and listed for disposal. The ship carried 200 rounds for each gun. [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. 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 Please be careful while diving this wreck and do not touch artefacts as it is currently a study project. This 1154 iron sailing ship collided with the Forrest before sinking. Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. 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. 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. ", 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. Hood was laid down at Chatham Dockyard on 12 August 1889 and was launched on 30 July 1891, the Viscountess Hood christening her. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. 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. SS OKAHANDJA WENT ASHORE AT WESTCLIFF JUNE 1910. WebIn total, 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles would embark from Portland and Weymouth Harbours. This 6010 ton ship was launched in 1870 named Invincible and operated for some time as the Erebus. 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. It is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. Countess of Erne (7 to 15m). This 1274 British armed steamship measures 230 by 34 and was torbedoed and sunk by a German submarine in October 1917. [40] Following this, RNAS Portland also closed in October 1999. James Fennel (18m). [59][60] The shed has been Grade II Listed since 2001. [18] She participated in combined exercises with the Channel Squadron and the Cruiser Squadron off the coasts of Cephalonia and Morea in late 1902. [49] The victualling store was built around 1850. 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. The stern is complete and amidship there is an engine and boiler. [67] A World War I torpedo station was also located on 'A' Head, using two 18 inch torpedo tubes which were operational from 1915 until 1918. 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. Topedoed by a German sub in December 1944, towed into Worbarrow and beached. 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. If you want to shore dive instead, check out our guide to Chesil Cove. 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. 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). Frequent visitor John Liddiard reveals his route. [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. HISTORY. [75] Additionally there is a World War I battery observation post. 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. 18 in June 1914,[21] before being placed on the sale list in August 1914. [68] During World War II a petroleum warfare site consisting of four flame throwers were located on 'A' Head. The port is used by all nature of vessels from commercial ships such as bulkers, tankers, container carriers car carriers, survey and Reefers etc. [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. 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. 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. Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. 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. 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. [12] Below the eastern side of the citadel, East Weare Battery was built during the 1860s, along with the detention barracks East Weare Camp. They were removed in 1904. Topedoed by a German sub in December 1944, towed into Worbarrow and beached. The sea bed, heavily silted, is littered with bottles, cups and plates with other oddities. These last five tubes were all above water. There are recent attempts to salvage her and the conning tower. The coastal battery opened in 1901 and was armed with two 12-pounder quick-firing (QF) guns for anti-torpedo craft defence. She was built in the early 1880s and the conversion took place 1889. She stands 15 metres and is a huge wreck with her bows broken off and amid ship and stern listing Starboard. In October 2007 work commenced on a new marina and recreational boating facility. [11] Both Portland and Weymouth were major embarkation points for American troops during D-Day, particularly the US 1st Division who embarked for "Omaha Beach" in June 1944.
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