[37] The AUWE later became infamous for espionage infiltration, known as the Portland Spy Ring.[38]. The wreck was discovered in 1998 some 7 miles sout of Worbarrow Tout. She lies upright. 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 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. 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. [20], Later in 1911, Hood was towed to Portsmouth and listed for disposal. One of the most popular boat dives from Portland this submarine is an official War Grave. The upper strake of 4-inch (102mm) armour was 150 feet (45.7m) long and protected the ship's side between the barbette[1 2][12] Oblique bulkheads 3 inches (76mm) thick connected this strake to the armour protecting the bases of the turrets. Above 18m: The Countess of Erne - divernet.com 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. She was ordered to return home in March 1900 and paid off into reserve at Chatham Dockyard on 29 April 1900. 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. [45] The harbour is designated as EU shellfish water and supports an important shellfish fishery and a marine ecosystem of high importance for biodiversity. [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. [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. PORTLAND HARBOUR WRECKS THE SS BOURNEMOUTH WRECKED ON ROCKS NEAR PORTLAND BILL 1886. On descending, follow the wall down until you reach the gravel and sandy bottom at about 18 metres. Hood was used in the development of anti-torpedo bulges in 1913 and was scuttled in late 1914 to act as a blockship across the southern entrance of Portland Harbour after the start of World War I. Portland There is a small area of inter-tidal habitat, particularly on the northern and western shores. Youll find vast information on Portland dive sites from local boat operators. Weymouth and Portland [37] Within the same statement Sheerness Dockyard and a number of other naval establishments were also slated for closure. There are many shallow and deep? A fine modern and recent wreck lying off St Albans Head. WebA significant number of UB-40s sinkings were in Dorset waters, including the LH Carl, sunk on the same day. This WWII destroyer is a war grave and was lost to German aircraft torpedo attack in June 1944 with 150 souls on board. Other causes of shipwrecks include mechanical failure and rough coastal weather on unforgiving rocky shores. Shes a Greek registered bulk freighter of 14,000 tons and lies on a limestone sea bed on her port side. Five shipwrecks that haunt Dorset's underwater graveyard 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Portland Harbour Wrecks 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. WebDONATE. 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. Frequent visitor John Liddiard reveals his route. Both seacocks and explosives were used to sink her, but she rolled to port and capsized onto seabed. Shipwrecks - portlandharbormuseum.org [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. she became a total loss. Unfortunately, conditions worsened quickly and the vessel was caught in a major storm with strong winds, high seas, and snow-impaired visibility. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. JAMES FENNELL SS. 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. A 2200 ton British merchant ship that was torpedoed and sunk in February 1917. [30] At the same time, a new headquarters for the Admiralty Gunnery Establishment (AGE), which had transferred to Portland from Teddington, was built at Southwell between 194952; it, however, transferred again in 1959 (to Portsdown Hill), allowing the building to be taken over by the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment (AUWE), formed from an amalgamation of different establishments from different parts of the UK involved in researching and developing underwater weapons and detection systems (including HMUDE, which nevertheless remained in its Balaclava Bay premises). Commercial dive boats and club boats launching from harbour. It is a must-do for any new visitor to Portland and a dive we regularly repeat ourselves over the season. 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. 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 exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. to British and foreign naval vessels. This is a 1500 ton Norwegian steamship, torpedoed in May 1918. The top is in 36 metres of water. These last five tubes were all above water. About 190203 the 6-pounders on the main deck were removed; two were remounted on the superstructure, but the other two were not replaced. 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. HMS Hood was a modified Royal Sovereign-class pre-dreadnought battleship built for the Royal Navy in the early 1890s. There are recent attempts to salvage her and the conning tower. VII gun. Depending on the tide, divers can get a good drift dive in this area. Enecuri | The Spaniard? Portland Port Ltd, formed in December 1994, took possession of the site immediately and their purchase was completed on 12 December 1996. There is some sea life amid the large rocks. At the bow it dipped down to reinforce the ship's ram.[13]. This is one of Portlands most exciting and rewarding drift dives on a sea bed of black shells. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. Countess of Erne (7 to 15m). Given the depth and limited tidal range, the predominant habitat within the Harbour is one that is truly marine. HISTORY. The wreck's hull structure remains largely in tact and makes her one of Shipwrecks - portlandharbormuseum.org 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. She now lies in two parts on a shingle sea bed. 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. This 653 ton Belgian steamship sank as result of a torpedo attack in March 1918. 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 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. This 200 bucket dredger was used as a mine sweeper and was sunk by a mine in 1917. The Dredger (Breakwater wall down to 12m). In April 1909, the ship was refitted and partially stripped at Devonport, after which she began service as a receiving ship at Queenstown, Ireland. The port's aim was of developing the ship repair, leisure and tourism potential of the harbour. Project Baseline is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 88-0481587) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. With a long maritime history, the Portland coastline and harbour has seen many kinds of ships sail through its waters. [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. This is definitely one dive you could do over and over again! Name last changed on November The factory closed in 1997 and was cleared to make way for a housing development named Whitehead Drive, which includes a memorial stone and plaque to commemorate the factory. [16] In 1892, the Verne High Angle Battery was built in a disused quarry near the Verne Citadel, but was decommissioned in 1906. The 728 ton wreck is well broken and is believed to be well salvaged. 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. page travelling from Castletown beach using RHIBs. SMB and Torch Highly Recommended. Shipwrecks - Geoff Kirby [40] Following this, RNAS Portland also closed in October 1999. Hood was placed into reserve at Devonport on 3 January 1905, where she remained until February 1907. PORTLAND HARBOUR WRECKS Sunk in December 1944. GT 213. she became a total loss. [69] A World War II battery observation post survives. Above 18m: The Countess of Erne - divernet.com [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. 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. 35-40m RANGE: Pomeranian, Moidart, Ailsa Craig, Arfon, Frognor, P555, UB74. Portland Harbor 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. With a long maritime history, the Portland coastline and harbour has seen many kinds of ships sail through its waters. 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. 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. A new coaling pier was built between 1890 and 1896, and expanded coaling facilities were still being added in 1906. This 1274 British armed steamship measures 230 by 34 and was torbedoed and sunk by a German submarine in October 1917. Weymouth and Portland 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. 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. This German submarine sank in May 1918. The Countess of Erne is probably the most popular dive-site in Portland Harbour. She was built in the early 1880s and the conversion took place 1889. 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. Be careful in poor visibility as it is easy to find oneself in the wreck without even knowing it! 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. Dive Sites - Underwater Explorers 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. 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. Portland Offshore wrecks Portland was the first naval anchorage specifically designed for the new steam navy. A 4343 steamer she was sunk in July 1940 by a German E-boat. This 380 battleship is upside down (turtle) and can be a very interesting dive. A small Admirality trawler only 123 long that went aground on Blacknor Point in March 1920 in thick fog, slid off and sank there. Declared a total loss in April 1945. Shipwrecks in Oregon She was 1124 tons and well blown. [74] The same site featured a World War I torpedo station. [53] One of the most dominant of the defence structures is the Portland Breakwater Fort, located on one of the outer breakwaters. WebIn total, 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles would embark from Portland and Weymouth Harbours. The academy was established as a not-for-profit company in 1999, and originally operated from various disused military buildings and facilities. SMB Required. [64] Further along the same arm, towards Portland, are two World War II 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. Can be very prolific sea life. Boats shuttle out and in for harbour dives allowing you to rest, de-gas and fill up in between dives. Please be careful while diving this wreck and do not touch artefacts as it is currently a study project. [25], Support facilities for the fleet were also added over time, including a canteen and recreation ground. The commercial port has expanded since its initial establishment; the Britannia Passenger Terminal was opened by HRH Prince Philip on 14 July 1999. This 1916 ton steamer torpedoed in Lyme Bay in July 1917 and stands 5 to 6 metre in places. MADELAINE (MAGDALENE) TRISTAN BEACHED AT CHESIL COVE SEPTEMBER 1930 FRENCH SCHOONER OF LORIENT. 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). Other causes of shipwrecks include mechanical failure and rough coastal weather on unforgiving rocky shores. 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. This small landing craft lies beside the Breakwater wall and close to the Bombardon unit. 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. Harbour Wrecks Visible Anyone can find this group. [4], Hood's protection used both compound armour and nickel steel armour. Youll find vast information on Portland dive sites from local boat operators. Shonas Wrecks Sunk as a blockship across the South Ship Channel of Portland 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. A NORWEGIAN BARQUE (GRIMSTAD) GT 607. [42] It went on to become the largest naval helicopter airfield in Europe. PORTLAND, Ore. A driver died after crashing on NE Marine Drive early Monday morning, according to Portland police. 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. as well as the dozens of hermit and spider crabs. This vessel was a sand dredger and makes an excellent dive both for training and as? [10] The breakwaters were declared complete by HRH Edward the Prince of Wales on 10 August 1872. she became a total loss. ARMED WITH A 12 POUNDER GUN. Inshore wrecks 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. [61], Situated across Portland Harbour's four breakwater arms are various defensive structures and related monuments. WRECK ON CHESIL BEACH (DOROTHEA) FEBRUARY 14TH 1914. (Beware there are line and cord in the engine section which should not be penetrated). [6] Bilge keels were fitted in 1894 which improved her manoeuvrability. [17], Captain Alvin Coote Corry was appointed in command of Hood in December 1898. This Norwegian steamer carried a cargo of coal when it was torpedoed in December 1917 and sunk. Portland Shipwrecks - Geoff Kirby The combined closure of all Portland-based establishments was believed to have cost the area 4,500 jobs, along with a loss of 40 million in the area's economy, according to a study carried out for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council in 1995. Pictures: The shipwrecks of Portland and Chesil [24] Onshore amenities included a range of storehouses, workshops and office buildings. Its shore-based activities continued, moving from temporary accommodation in Weymouth to accommodation in East Weare, just south of the Dockyard. Dive time for this area is 4 hours after HW and the dive window is about 45 minutes. Portland Harbour Wrecks VII gun. THE ROCKET LINE ENABLED RESCUE OF CREW BUT THE 2ND MATE HAD A LEG AMPUTATED AND THE COOK WENT MAD AND HAD TO BE CONSTRAINED. This is the areas most interesting and colourful shore dive but is tide dependent. Her highest point is at 47 metres and she is reported to be lying upside down against a high reef. Name last changed on November 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. 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. The vessel broke into two after impact 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. Dive Sites - Underwater Explorers If you want to shore dive instead, check out our guide to Chesil Cove. Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. The sea bed, heavily silted, is littered with bottles, cups and plates with other oddities. 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. [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. 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. CARGO GRAIN. [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. 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. WebA significant number of UB-40s sinkings were in Dorset waters, including the LH Carl, sunk on the same day. ALL CREW WERE RESCUED BY MEANS OF A LONG ROPE STRUNG FROM THE STEM OF THE SHIP TO A LARGE ROCK BY LOCAL FISHERMEN. Commercial activities on the land of the dock estate include fuel storage, natural gas storage, several engineering facilities and a shell fish specialist. [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. HMS Hood (1891 Frequent visitor John Liddiard reveals his route. Tidal flow within the Harbour is generally anti-clockwise, sweeping away from the Fleet, through the Port area and through the South Ship Channel. [37] From 1958, the base's main occupation was Flag Officer Sea Training, which was a major success, and the harbour soon became the world's premier work-up and training base. 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. Repairs took only two days, and the ship left Sheerness for the Mediterranean on 18 June 1893. MORE PICTURES AND DETAILS OF PORTLAND SHIPWRECKS CAN BE FOUND HERE. CARGO WAS TIMBER. 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]. MYRTLEDENE RAN ASHORE ON MARCH 25TH 1912 THIS SHIP WAS OFFERED FOR SALE WITH ITS CARGO OF IRON ORE FOR 100, BUT NEVER SOLD. Five shipwrecks that haunt Dorset's underwater graveyard MARBELLA TO ROTTERDAM. In April 2000 the contract was signed for a new bunkering jetty and berth, which came into service in 2005. The wreckage itself is pretty much broken up and is in two parts but offers good swim throughs and plenty of fish, squid? [19] By 1903, the East Weares Rifle Range served the navy and other military soldiers on the eastern side of the island. WHEN THE CAPTAIN DROVE ASHORE IN CHESIL COVE ON SEPT. 20TH 1930. A Swedish steamship which sank off the Cave Hole on Portland in 1882. The battleship Russell relieved Hood on 28 September 1904. In 1944 emplacements were constructed for two 6-pounder guns, but the guns were not mounted for a number of years. 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. This 600 ton British steamship was sunk by a torpedo in 1918 while carrying a cargo of coal. This 14,100 ton battleship was used as a gunnery and torpedo target and sank as result of this, turning turtle following several hits.