Wreck of the HMS Port Napier in Loch Alsh:: OS grid NG7725 :: Geograph British Isles

NG7725 : Wreck of the HMS Port Napier in Loch Alsh

near to Kyle of Lochalsh/Caol Loch Aillse, Highland, Great Britain

Wreck of the HMS Port Napier in Loch Alsh

The Port Napier was under construction as a commercial vessel for the Port Line when it was requisitioned by the UK Government for minelaying operations in June 1940.

On 27 November 1940, complete with a full complement of 550 mines, the HMS Port Napier was tied alongside at Kyle of Lochalsh harbour when a fire broke out. Unable to control the fire and fearing the town would be extensively damaged by a massive explosion, the ship was towed out into Loch Alsh. The fires worsened and she was cut adrift after which there was a massive explosion, blowing the wheelhouse onto the shore. The vessel sank where you can see it today, as shown in this photograph, taken from the Seaprobe Atlantis, a glass-bottomed boat operating out of Kyle of Lochalsh. Via the underwater viewing windows you can see the large hole blown in her side which lead to her sinking.

In 1955-6, the Royal Navy removed most, but not necessarily all of the mines onboard.

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year taken

2008

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Grid Square: NG7725, 3 images (more nearby)
Photographer: Trevor Wright (find more nearby)
Image classification: Supplemental image
Date Taken: Friday, 12 September, 2008 (more nearby)
Submitted: Saturday, 20 September, 2008
Category: Shipwreck (more nearby)
Subject Location: OSGB36: NG 77790 25451 [1m precision]
WGS84: 57:15.9321N 5:41.2064W
Photographer Location: OSGB36: NG 77790 25451
View Direction: West-northwest (about 292 degrees)