Archaeology Notes

Event ID 773990

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/773990

HU15NE 8001 1879 5940

N60 19.1333 W1 39.5833

NLO: Forewick Holm [name: HU 187 594]

Papa Stour [name centred HU 16 60].

Formerly entered as Site no. 8989.

Highcliffe: [max. date] 1940

3847 tons gross, 364' x 50' x 23'. Cargo of iron ore, bound from Narvik to Methil

Archive Ref: Shetland Life Nov. 1981 - The Wreck of the Highcliffe by Andy Carter

Source: Shetland Archive Service [undated].

MS/3025 (no. 988).

(No accurate location cited). This wreck is one of the largest on Shetland and was the subject of intensive salvage (by the late John Robertson) with the objective of retrieving some of her cargo of iron ore.

The incomplete remains extend from just below the surface (at the NE) to a depth of about 30m. Nothing remains of the forward part of the vessel, but the boilers and engine survive amidships. Part of the after hold survives, with a tangled mass of metal aft. The non-ferrous propellor shaft liner and the stern of the ship are identifiable; the latter supports the 'after cabin' [poop] and a gun.

Several portholes have been recovered from this wreck.

(Photograph in text).

[Shetland Sub-Aqua Club] 1989.

[Dive described: the wreck is broken and divided but apparently essentially coherent].

G Ridley 1992.

Horizontal Datum = OGB

Circumstances of Loss Details

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The HIGHCLIFFE was wrecked on Forewick Holm, Shetland Isles. It was carrying a cargo of iron ore from Narvik to Immingham and Methil.

Source: Dictionary of Disasters at Sea.

Surveying Details

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The wreck was also reported at 60 19 13N, 001 39 50W

Report by Naval Officer in Charge, Wick Radio Lerwick.

4 August 1987. The vessel sank at 60 19 08N, 001 39 35W.

Hydrographic Office, 1995.

HIGHCLIFFE, British cargo steamship of South Shields, James Henderson master. 3847 tons gross, 364' x 50' x 23'. Bound from Narvik to Methil with a cargo of iron ore.Wrecked at Papa Stour Lat. N60 19.08 Long. W01 39.35 on 6 February 1940.

Archive Ref: Shetland Life Nov. 1981 - The Wreck of the Highcliffe by Andy Carter

Source: Shetland Archive Service [1998].

(Classified as steel steamship, with cargo of iron ore: date of loss cited as 6 February 1940). Highcliffe: this vessel stranded near Forewick Holm. Capt. Henderson.

Registration: South Shields. Built 1927. 3847 tons [unspecified]. Length: 110m. Beam: 15m.

(Location of loss cited as N60 19.13 W1 39.58).

I G Whittaker 1998.

Material reported under RoW amnesty (2001):

A961 3 large brass bolts, 1 cable retainer (6ins: full circle), 1 brass lamp lid: found on seabed.

NMRS, MS/829/34.

Material reported under RoW amnesty (2001):

A1816 2 deck lights: from seabed

A3421 1 log spinner and swivel: from seabed

A4178 2 brass sight mounting plates: from seabed.

NMRS, MS/829/35.