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Sound of Mull Archaeological Project (SoMAP)

Date 2000 - 2004

Event ID 556342

Category Recording

Type Measured Survey

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/556342

Tape measure and detailed recording of a merchant steamship, Thesis, and the immediate environment by Sound of Mull Archaeological Project (SoMAP).

This ship is an example of a once-common type of general cargo ship, of which no examples appear to remain extant. No builders' records appear to survive for the vessel, which is extremely popular among recreational divers.

The iron-built steamship was built in Belfast by McIlwain, Lewis and Co, and launched in 1887. Powered by a twin-cylinder engine of 60hp, she measured 50.9m in length by 7.64m in beam, and drew [nominally] 3.53m. While carrying a cargo of pig iron and iron ore between Belfast and Middlesbrough on 16 October 1889, she struck a reef at Inninmore Point before sinking off Batony or Barony Point in the Sound of Mull.

The Thesis now lies heeled to port in a scatter of debris with her bows at the foot of a rocky slope leading to the shore; the depth at the deck varies between 12m at the bow and 30m at the stern. The vessel has been subjected to considerable salvage effort and little of the bridge superstructure remains. Much of the hull plating on the forward holds has been lost and some deck plating has also collapsed. Her remains are heavily encrusted with marine life (including sea-firs and soft corals), and the wreck is subject to strong currents.

Study of the Thesis forms part of the work of the Sound of Mull Archaeological Project (SOMAP), the research project of Nautical Archaeology Society Scotland. The wreck has also been adopted under the NAS Adopt-a-Wreck scheme, together with the nearby John Preston [NM64SE 8005].

Survey operations since 2000 have concentrated on drawing a deck plan, two longitudinal baselines being initially set up forward of the superstructure. Operations have been consistently hampered by twisting of the deck and the presence of protruding debris and fittings.

In 2002, different procedures were adopted to survey the deeper (aft) portion of the wreck. Nitrox was used for safety and the area was divided into four portions, the sides of the large deck openings forming a baseline. In the event, the total planned length of the vessel was measured as within 0.5m of that documented. In addition, extensive video footage was taken (by Chris Underwood), a qualitative assessment of the marine biology was carried out (by Craig Burton) and monitoring stakes were put in place around the wreck to establish the pattern or erosion and/or accretion of the seabed. Further discoveries during this work included a stowed anchor (forward) and cracks in the deck (on the starboard side); these latter indicate the start of structural deformation through longitudinal opening.

Further research is aimed to refine the current picture of the wreck, to establish a means of interpretation, and to investigate the rate of deterioration.

(Illustration: deck plan).

Sponsor: Historic Scotland.

B Kaye and J Cook 2002.

R and B Larn 1998; NMRS, VID/32; NMRS, MS/2745.

People and Organisations

References