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Shipwreck, Hunstanton

The remains of the Steam Trawler Sheraton, which has been given the grid reference of TF 6743 4199. The bow has gradually taken on the appearance of concrete.

The trawler was built by Cook, Welton and Gemmell of Beverley, Yorkshire, in 1907 and owned by the Standard Steam Fishing Company of Grimsby. She was 39.6m in overall length and her beam was 6.7m. She had a draught of 3.7m and weighed 283 tonnes.

A survey carried out in 2007/09 by members of the Nautical Archaeology Society in East Anglia, confirmed the use of ferrous metal plating, over ferrous metal runners and ribs. The spacing of the welded, or cast metal ribs varies from 0.52-0.55 m. The plates were riveted together. Evidence of timber framing was found, especially in the area from amidships to the stern. The timber framing appears to have supported the superstructure and decking. The trawler was fitted with a 3-cylinder, triple-expansion steam engine, by Amos & Smith, Hull.

In WWI, between 1915 and 1918, the vessel was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and used during boom defence work. She served again in WW II as a patrol vessel and carried a 6-pounder gun, of a type used on Motor Torpedo Boats. During a gale in the Wash, in 1947, she broke free of her mooring and was wrecked on Hunstanton beach. She was later partially salvaged.