Diver Inspection

Date 9 November 2003 - 11 November 2003

Event ID 640459

Category Recording

Type Diver Inspection

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/640459

The wreck was visited by Wessex Archaeology between the 9th and 11th November 2003 under a contract for archaeological services issued by Historic Scotland in relation to the Protection of Wrecks Act (1973). Diving concentrated on the wreck site itself: the search for several 'missing' large artifacts proved unsuccessful although most of the remaining artifacts were recorded. The reported findspot of a recently-discovered Bellarmine vessel was investigated, no archaeological features being encountered. The reported findspot of a lead scupper pipe was not investigated, but the visitor trail was found to be in fragmentary condition.

Diving conditions were generally very good, the wreck being protected from tidal action by the island of Eilean Rubha an Ridire; the Bellarmine search are (to the N) was less sheltered. A dive time of 236 minutes was achieved in the main area.

The following positions were noted:

Statutory Instrument Position (1992/1229): N56 30.19 W5 41.95 [NM 7238 4069] (OSGB-36)

Centre point of Bellarmine search area: N56 30.275 W5 42.059 [NM 7227 4084] (WGS-84)

Obs. 1087 (anchor on the Main Site): N56 30.181 W5 42.053 [NM 7227 4084] (WGS-84)

Both the latter two positions were obtained tracked diver survey using the ROV-trak system. Proximity to Eilean Rubha an Ridire precluded correct positioning of the beacon array, placing the reading beyond normal working parameters, with consequent implications for reliability.

The wreck came to rest within a wedge-shaped gully that starts at the base of a rock face which slopes down from the island and continues off to the SW with a gradually sloping floor. The seabed in the main wreck area comprises mixed coarse sediment and small pebbles and boulders. That within the Bellarmine search area comprises loose fine silty sand covering an aggregate of coarse sand and pebbles covered with extensive soft marine growth. This changes to large rocks and boulders with areas of protruding bedrock cut by small gullies filled with coarse sand and gravel as the seabed slopes up to the small rock outcroppings that start 150m N and NW of Eilean Rubha an Ridire. Notwithstanding repeated cutting for visitor access, there was overall coverage by kelp (Laminaria digitata), obscuring many artifacts. As might be expected, the kelp cover was dying back at the date of visit.

Inspection within the Main Site area failed to reveal an iron cannon (SOMAP 9) and two concreted masses (SOMAP 8 and 36) recorded on plan in 1994. Two anchors and cannon recorded in the 1970's were not identified, but further small artifacts recorded included a fragment of galley tile and two fragments of galley brick (all showing possible elements of burning), and three glass fragments (apparently of pre-20th century date). The small area of planking beneath the anchor (SOMAP 4) was found to demonstrate evidence of colonisation by shipworm (Teredo navalis). A small mound of stones (mixed with small areas of concretion) was identified as possible ballast material. A broken iron cannon (SOMAP 6) lay roughly parallel to, and almost touching, the shaft of anchor 4, while iron cannon (SOMAP 5) lay roughly parallel and less than 0.5m away. Fragments of modern iron cable were apparently associated with the recent loss of a fishing dredge bucket. The reported lead scupper pipe may derive from another vessel.

The Main Site was considered largely stable, although the exposed timber planking remains open to damage by swell. The apparent absence of several large artifacts (notably the cannon and anchors at the W end of the Main Site) may indicate sediment accretion in that area. The failure to discover archaeological features within the reported area of the Bellarmine fragment may indicate destruction by scallop-dredging.

(Detailed recommendations are made, and the history of the ship is summarised. Illustrations include location plan, comparative site plans of remains recorded in 1974 and 1994, and imagery indicating seabed conditions).

MS/2779.