Field Visit

Date 11 June 1999

Event ID 575655

Category Recording

Type Field Visit

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/575655

(Location cited as NX c. 977 542). This newly-exposed wreck was surveyed on 11 June 1999 by I Oxley and D Groom of the Scottish Institute of Maritime Studies. Its discovery had initially been reported to Historic Scotland and a 16th-century coin was said to have been found on the wreck which was considered under threat from visitor pressure and public access.

The wreck is situated about 30m down the gently-sloping beach which comprises coarse sand and gravel, scattered rocks and brick debris interspersed with a few coarse grass tussocks. The wreck is situated in an area of flat silty sand between outcrops of bedrock and has a flat profile, barely projecting above the general level of the beach.

The remains were found to have been extensively disturbed in the hope of finding valuables. Longitudinal impressions indicated the removal of planks, there was a low mound of excavated spoil around most of the perimeter, the larger visible plank had been broken and displaced in an apparent attempt to twist it out of the wreck, and one of the most prominent treenails had been bruised and crushed by heavy blows. A loose treenail and an iron bolt were found on the structure.

The visible remains comprised four futtocks or framing elements overlying (at right-angles) two planks, one of them displaced. The futtocks were heavily eroded on their outer (upper) ends and surfaces, and displayed the remains of both wooden treenails and bolts. Further empty treenail-holes often corresponded with the outer edges of the futtocks or planks and indicated areas of weakness.

Preliminary probing indicated the presence of a further two planks on the N side while the edge of a further plank was noted below futtock F1. On the basis of the average breadth of the visible planks being 23.5cm, there may be up to four planks remaining in the sediment below the futtocks.

The size, type and relationships of the surviving structural elements suggest that the remains formed a small portion of the side of a small 19th-century ship. They may represent the Zouave or Zoave, a schooner which is first recorded in 1824 and was stranded at Southerness in May 1877 while carrying coal to Dumfries. The gross tonnage, length overall and beam of this vessel are recorded as being 28 tons, 20.9m and 4.4m respectively.

(Further recording and excavation are recommended).

NMRS, MS/829/16.