Located as it is inside the breakwater, the wreck is well-protected from wind and waves. 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. Countess of Erne (7 to 15m). Has plenty of marine life and is well broken up with only the ribs and plates showing with its highest point about 2 metres off the sea bed. STEAM TRAWLER BUILT 1918 BY FULLERTON & CO, PAISLEY. This 1274 British armed steamship measures 230 by 34 and was torbedoed and sunk by a German submarine in October 1917. King George V watched aerial displays from the royal yacht in the harbour in May 1912. Unfortunately, conditions worsened quickly and the vessel was caught in a major storm with strong winds, high seas, and snow-impaired visibility. [19], The ship's bell was later used as one of at least two bells [23] on the battlecruiser HMSHood. [82] A little further south is a coast artillery searchlight. Located as it is inside the breakwater, the wreck is well-protected from wind and waves. Sunk in December 1944. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. You can also find a detailed list of all inshore and offshore dive sites with their depths at the end of this page.? ON VOYAGE FROM FREDERIKSTAD TO PORT NATAL. The seabed is made out of shifting gravel and parts of the wreck stand 7 metres high. 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. Project Baseline is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 88-0481587) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The coastal battery opened in 1901 and was armed with two 12-pounder quick-firing (QF) guns for anti-torpedo craft defence. 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 facility was open by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in April 2009 and is situated directly adjacent to the National Sailing Academy. 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. [35] The remaining two units now act as a wind-break, helping ships berth at Queen's Pier in the harbour. For detailed information and photographs of this wreck visit our DREDGER PAGE. 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. THE SS BOURNEMOUTH WRECKED ON ROCKS NEAR PORTLAND BILL 1886. SHE WAS DEMOLISHED WITH EXPLOSIVES IN 1904. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. CARGO WAS TIMBER. In 2003 the academy was able to start redevelopment of the site. 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. The wreck's hull structure remains largely in tact and makes her one of Other causes of shipwrecks include mechanical failure and rough coastal weather on unforgiving rocky shores. This is a 1500 ton Norwegian steamship, torpedoed in May 1918. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. This is an East Inidiaman that struck the Shambles bank and sunk in front of Weymouth in 1805 with a large loss of life. From there you can either follow the line or the breakwater wall (keeping at your left) to the Bombardon Unit. There are items of unexploded ammunition on her including depth charges. Seven months later, on 12 December 1900, Hood recommissioned to relieve the elderly ironclad Thunderer as port guard ship at Pembroke Dock. Today, Salsette lies on her port side in 45m with her starboard rail around 32m. They were removed in 1904. [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. This is on the outside of the breakwater and just around the corner from the Fort. SMB Required. This is the areas most interesting and colourful shore dive but is tide dependent. It is also very accommodating to recreational and technical courses. Portland Harbour is home to several sites for wreck-dives, and STUART PHILPOTT never tires of exploring one of the most popular. 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. [20], Later in 1911, Hood was towed to Portsmouth and listed for disposal. Project Baseline is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 88-0481587) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The jetty is only a short walk from the car park and centre. The top is in 36 metres of water. 21 souls were lost on her. Tide flow in this area can give divers a drift of up to 2 knots. [5] Prompted by the expansion of the French naval port of Cherbourg, just across the Channel, the Royal Navy established a base at Portland in 1845 and a scheme for the harbour to be transformed into a refuge was granted parliamentary approval the year before. [64] Further along the same arm, towards Portland, are two World War II coast artillery searchlights. 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. 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. 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 wreck, carrying a general government cargo, sits upright on the bottom. Name last changed on November The wreck lies turtle, twisted, and her highest point off the sea bed is about seven metres. THE WRECK WHICH WAS SOLD FOR 1. S.S. SANDAL ON FIRE PORTLAND HARBOUR 1907. In addition to Hood, there are other dive wrecks around the harbour: The harbour and dockyard has various buildings and structures that are Grade Listed. [77] At the C Pier Head Battery a World War II petroleum warfare site was constructed. She stands 15 metres and is a huge wreck with her bows broken off and amid ship and stern listing Starboard. Hood's secondary armament consisted of ten 40-calibre 6-inch Mk I-III guns mounted in casemates in the superstructure. [16] Thereafter, the squadron maintained order on Crete until the island's status finally was resolved by the evacuation of all Ottoman Army forces from Crete in November 1898 and the establishment of an autonomous Cretan State under Ottoman suzerainty in December 1898. TRIPLE-EXPANSION ENGINE. LOST OFF OF PORTLAND WITH ALL LIVES JANUARY 26TH 1932, ITEMS RETRIEVED FROM WRECK OF HM SUBMARINE M2. 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. Located as it is inside the breakwater, the wreck is well-protected from wind and waves. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. It is badly broken up with large pieces of machinery present and lying in a rock shingle sea bed. This low freeboard meant that Hood was very wet in rough weather and her maximum speed reduced rapidly as the wave height increased, making her only suitable for service in the relatively calm Mediterranean. Aside from the training of Royal Navy ships, many ships of NATO countries also trained and frequented at the harbour. The ground varies from ledges to very rocky undulating ground. Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. [6] Bilge keels were fitted in 1894 which improved her manoeuvrability. She sits upright on a shingle and gravel seabed. An ex American submarine sunk on purpose, upright, as a sonar target in August 1947. Coastal steamship bombed in 1940 she stands about 10 metres off the sea bed. Portland Harbour is home to several sites for wreck-dives, and STUART PHILPOTT never tires of exploring one of the most popular. Four of these were mounted on the main deck in casemates on the sides of the hull and suffered from the same problems as the six-inch guns. SS PATROCLUS SALVAGE OPERATION 1907. Mined in June 1940, all that remains is the well-scattered remains of the bow section of this Britich oil tanker of 7101 tons. The wreck was discovered in 1998 some 7 miles sout of Worbarrow Tout. Unfortunately, conditions worsened quickly and the vessel was caught in a major storm with strong winds, high seas, and snow-impaired visibility. A 6127 ton French liner which was torpedoed by a German E boat in 1940. Today, Salsette lies on her port side in 45m with her starboard rail around 32m. 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 6010 ton ship was launched in 1870 named Invincible and operated for some time as the Erebus. The wreck is well scattered with intact bows. 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. A DETAILED REPORT ON THIS ACCIDENT CAN BE READ BY CLICKING HERE. General History Group created on November 15, 2013. 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. For details and photos visit our COUNTESS OF ERNE page. She lies on a sand and broken shell sea bed. [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. A major government project, the construction work had become Dorset's greatest tourist attraction of its time. 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. [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. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. 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. Construction of the harbour began in 1849; when completed in 1872, its 520-hectare (1,300-acre) surface area made it the largest human-made harbour in the world,[1] and remains one of the largest in the world today. 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. As an Admirality armed trawler the Arfon sank in 1917 when she hit a mine. [25] The nearby Royal Naval Hospital in Castletown served the naval base from 1904 (replacing an earlier small hospital) until 1957, when it was handed over to the NHS. The development is designed to increase berthing opportunities and provide more operational land. 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. It makes a powerful dive in good visibility and is full of fish. FREE FRENCH SUBMARINE (MINERVA) ASHORE AT PORTLAND IN 1945 WHEN IT BROKE ITS TOW LINE. she became a total loss. This Norwegian steamer carried a cargo of coal when it was torpedoed in December 1917 and sunk. [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. At the same time the above-water torpedo tubes were removed. Unfortunately, conditions worsened quickly and the vessel was caught in a major storm with strong winds, high seas, and snow-impaired visibility. 11 souls were lost on her. The exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. This 1916 ton steamer torpedoed in Lyme Bay in July 1917 and stands 5 to 6 metre in places. 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. During World War II a number of anti-invasion structures were placed at Balaclava Bay, including an anti boat landing obstacle,[81] and a minefield. [23] In the early years of the 20th century it served as base for the Navy's first Torpedo Boat Destroyers. [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. Declared a total loss in April 1945. Both seacocks and explosives were used to sink her, but she rolled to port and capsized onto seabed. Portland Harbour (2 to 19m) represents a semi-artificial deep water tidal basin enclosed by breakwaters. HE THOUGHT HE WAS ON THE NORTH COAST OF FRANCE. +44(0)1305824555info@underwaterexplorers.co.uk VIDEOS ABOUT US | CONTACT HOME BLOG SALES In-store Sales Our Brands Santi Diving Go Shop online Online Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". the ss bournemouth wrecked on rocks near portland bill 1886. all 160 passengers were rescued. 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). SCHOONER DEVORAN. [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. She was replaced by HMS Boscawen in 1866 (following Britannia's relocation to Dartmouth). Both seacocks and explosives were used to sink her, but she rolled to port and capsized onto seabed. Formerly the Marie this iron wreck ship was sunk by a German submarine in May 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. There is some sea life amid the large rocks. Features include an easily WebDONATE. It is naturally protected by Portland to the south, Chesil Beach to the west and mainland Dorset to the north. [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 is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. In recent years the number of cruise ship calls have increased at the port. Visible Anyone can find this group. 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. Visible Anyone can find this group. 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. VII gun. 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. WebIn total, 418,585 troops and 144,093 vehicles would embark from Portland and Weymouth Harbours. [37] The AUWE later became infamous for espionage infiltration, known as the Portland Spy Ring.[38]. With a long maritime history, the Portland coastline and harbour has seen many kinds of ships sail through its waters. WebPortland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. 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. It measures 370 to 53 and was salvaged, is broken. DUTCH STEAMSHIP GT2035 . [14], On 25 June 1903 Hood relieved the battleship Collingwood in the Home Fleet. [69] A World War II battery observation post survives. WebDONATE. At the Breakwater Fort is a World War II 29 millimetre spigot mortar emplacement,[62] a pillbox,[63] and a battery observation post. With a long maritime history, the Portland coastline and harbour has seen many kinds of ships sail through its waters. A DETAILED HISTORY OF THIS SHIP AND ITS MISHAPS CAN BE READ BY CLICKING HERE. It is a must-do for any new visitor to Portland and a dive we regularly repeat ourselves over the season. 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. The wreckage is pretty much broken up. 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. [49] At the south-west end of Prince Consort Walk is a carved commemorative stone for the completion of the breakwaters in 1872. (Beware there are line and cord in the engine section which should not be penetrated). It is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. It was put into operation again during World War II. 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. [47], The harbour is a popular location for wind surfing, wreck diving and sailing. She is approximately 240 long and with a 29 beam she lies upright on the bottom. [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 M2 is a one-of-a-kind submarine aircraft carrier which sank off Portland in 1932 during routine exercises (see panel). [19] Subsequently, she was photographed in dry dock at Portsmouth by the crew of Naval Airship No. 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. Features include an easily 35-40m RANGE: Pomeranian, Moidart, Ailsa Craig, Arfon, Frognor, P555, UB74. [37] Within the same statement Sheerness Dockyard and a number of other naval establishments were also slated for closure. the ss bournemouth wrecked on rocks near portland bill 1886. all 160 passengers were rescued. In 1946, Hoverfly R-4Bs began operating from the base's playing fields, which were transformed into a landing ground. ARMED WITH A 12 POUNDER GUN. [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. 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. ALL 160 PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. 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. [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). WRECK ON CHESIL BEACH (DOROTHEA) FEBRUARY 14TH 1914. Depending on the tide, divers can get a good drift dive in this area. [49] The victualling store was built around 1850. [31] In July 1940, the anti-aircraft ship HMS Foylebank was attacked by Stuka dive-bombers and sank in the harbour. Visibility in this area can sometimes be as good as 20 metres and it is a much rewarding dive for underwater hunters. FOST was relocated to Devonport. Advertisement. [40], The Harbour is the fourth largest as of 2016[update] human-made port in the world, after the Port of Jebel Ali in Dubai, the Ras Laffan Harbour in Qatar and the Cherbourg Harbour in France. James Fennel (18m). The depth of this steamship varies according to sources (if you have updates please e-mail them to us). 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. The sheltered Portland Harbour can be dived throughout the season in most conditions other than gale force winds. 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. 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. Stands 4 to 5 metres high in some points. It is an interesting dive that leads to the wheel house and exposed engine at the stern. Topedoed by a German sub in December 1944, towed into Worbarrow and beached. The armour of the main-deck casemates was 6 inches thick and that of the forward conning tower was 14 inches thick. Other causes of shipwrecks include mechanical failure and rough coastal weather on unforgiving rocky shores. The James Fennel also can be drifted or done as part of a drift dive. SHE BECAME A TOTAL LOSS. There is some sea life amid the large rocks. She also was fitted with a plough-shaped underwater ram. WebA significant number of UB-40s sinkings were in Dorset waters, including the LH Carl, sunk on the same day. Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. This is one of Portlands most exciting and rewarding drift dives on a sea bed of black shells. It is badly silted and fairly broken up but is full of marine life and swim-throughs with part of the vessel still intact, making it an excellent second dive of the day. The stern is complete and amidship there is an engine and boiler. [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. She lies broken but is a good dive and can be clearly made out as a submarine. The small landing craft lies beside the Breakwater wall and is almost completely intact with its landing doors closed. The exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. The Dredger lies right outside of Portland Harbour within the sheltered bay of Balaclava (in front of the large winch). She measures 260 and lies on her port side standing 5 to 6 metres in places. Torch Recommended. 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. [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. RAN ASHORE IN FOG AT CLAY HOPE 12th DECEMBER 1913, MORE PICTURES AND DETAILS OF PORTLAND SHIPWRECKS CAN BE FOUND, THE SS BOURNEMOUTH WRECKED ON ROCKS NEAR PORTLAND BILL 1886. One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. [12] Below the eastern side of the citadel, East Weare Battery was built during the 1860s, along with the detention barracks East Weare Camp. Webmore pictures and details of portland shipwrecks can be found here. 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. Her crew numbered 690 officers and ratings. This is a British cargo ship of 5000 tons lying South of Portland. She served most of her active career in the Mediterranean Sea, where her low freeboard was less of a disadvantage. Fore and aft bulkheads, 1614-inch (406356mm) thick respectively, closed off the ends of the central citadel at the level of the waterline. 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 sea bed, heavily silted, is littered with bottles, cups and plates with other oddities. HISTORY. 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. 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. The harbour was envisaged primarily as a coaling station for the Royal Navy, being conveniently equidistant from the Royal Navy's two principal bases at Portsmouth and Devonport;[3] however it was also where the Channel Squadron was based, newly re-formed in 1858. [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. The tidal range within the Harbour is small and in the order of 1.5-2.3m. [51] In addition to this, The 'E' section of the battery is Grade II Listed and has become a scheduled monument too. [43], Royal Navy operations ceased on 21 July 1995 and the harbour was sold on 29 March 1996. CARGO GRAIN. [65][66], On the northeast breakwater, at the southern end, directly opposite the fort, is the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse. 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. By 2012 Osprey Quay had been transformed with huge investment, offering over 11 hectares, a total of 60,000 square metres of business space.[48]. 25-32m RANGE: M2 submarine, Aeolian Sky, Binnedijk, Alex Van Opstel, St. Dunstan. Especially in good sea conditions a dive on the deeper edge of the shambles can be very rewarding for divers with varying interests. 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. Picking up and dropping off at Castletown Jetty just minutes away from all the harbour wrecks is Dive Beyond operating two diving RIBS with ladders. She measures 260 by 32 and stands 7 metres in places. The sea bed, heavily silted, is littered with bottles, cups and plates with other oddities. SHE BECAME A TOTAL LOSS. [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. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". HISTORY. DRIFT: Bottlebank, Lulworth Cove, Aerials, Balaclava Bay. Divers are advised to watch their depth as the area has a number of drop-offs. Portland Harbour was built by the Admiralty as a facility for the Royal Navy (though access was also available to merchant ships);[3] on 11 December 1923 it was formally designated HM Naval Base (HMNB) Portland,[4] and continued to serve as such until closure in 1995. [22] On 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. 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]. [29], In 1917 the RNAS seaplane base at Portland was commissioned as HMS Sarepta. 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. [59][60] The shed has been Grade II Listed since 2001. HMS Hood was a modified Royal Sovereign-class pre-dreadnought battleship built for the Royal Navy in the early 1890s. VII gun.
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