Duchess Wreck

Field Value
Obstruction Category foul ground
Duchess Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		57 50.281 N,3 50.336 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 57.838017
  • Longitude: -3.838933
Water Depth 3 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name DUCHESS
Type ketch
Flag GB
Length 29.6 m
Width 6.1 m
Draught 2.7
Tonnage 155
Tonnage Type gross
Cargo ballast
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Nov 16, 1923
Original Detection Year 1923
Last Detection Year 1924
Original Source other
Last Amended Date Jun 2, 1978

Simplified Wreck Survey

The wreck of the vessel DUCHESS is located at coordinates 57 50.281 N, 3 50.336 W near the coast of Portmahomack, Scotland. Historically recorded as a wreck site near Portmahomack Pier, the structure has undergone significant changes due to salvage operations and severe weather conditions. Following a gale, the wreck was reported as having broken up and dispersed, with subsequent surveys classifying the site as foul ground rather than a intact wreck. Historical reports also noted a mast attached to the bottom by rigging, though buoy markers for the site have since been withdrawn. The area remains designated as foul ground on navigational charts.

Surveying Details

H8106/23 26.11.23 H8106/23 26.11.23 POSN 575000N, 035000W OR 3 CABLES 274 DEG FROM PORTMAHOMACK PIER. (BOT). INS AS ST (1923). - NM 1994/23. H1999/24 20.3.24 H1999/24 20.3.24 SALVAGE OPERATION ABANDONED, WK HAVING BROKEN UP IN GALE. (BOT). AMEND TO DW. BR STD. H1999/24 20.3.24 H1999/24 20.3.24 WK HAS BEEN DISPERSED AND BUOY WITHDRAWN. DELETE BUOY. AMEND TO FOUL (1924). BR STD. H1999/24 H1999/24 MAST OF WK ATTACHED TO THE BOTTOM BY RIGGING. REPORTED 2FT ABOVE WATER NW BY N 1.25 MILES FROM PORTMAHOMACK. (BOT & LL). 11.5.78 11.5.78 SHOWN AS FOUL ON NC 223.

Circumstances of loss

14.11.23 AGROUND 14.11.23. DRAGGED ANCHOR 15.11.23 AND FLOATED OFF BUT SANK 16.11.23 IN DEEP WATER. PASSAGE BANFF FOR MICKLEFERRY. (OFF SCOTLAND).

General Comments

STEEL HULL

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 57 50.281 N,3 50.336 W
Duchess on Wreck Map Duchess Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the DUCHESS wreck located?

The DUCHESS wreck is located at coordinates 57 50.281 N,3 50.336 W.

How deep is the seabed around the DUCHESS?

The seabed around the DUCHESS lies at approximately 3 meters deep.

When did the DUCHESS sink?

The DUCHESS sank on Nov 16, 1923.

When was the wreck of the DUCHESS discovered?

The wreck of the DUCHESS was discovered in 1923.

What country did the DUCHESS belong to?

The DUCHESS belonged to GB.

What cargo was the DUCHESS carrying?

The DUCHESS was carrying ballast.

What was the tonnage of the DUCHESS?

The DUCHESS had a tonnage of 155 tons.

What type of wreck is the DUCHESS?

The DUCHESS is classified as a ketch.

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