Discover Dover's Sunken Secrets: A Guide to Historic Shipwrecks
Explore the rich history beneath Dover’s waves. Our detailed guide introduces you to the most fascinating shipwrecks awaiting your discovery.
HMS Brazen
HMS Brazen, a British B-class destroyer launched in 1930, was a formidable vessel measuring 98 metres in length and armed with four 4.7-inch guns, anti-aircraft defences, torpedo tubes, and depth charges. On 21 July 1940, while escorting convoy CW7 through the Dover Strait, she valiantly downed three German bombers before sustaining critical damage. Despite efforts to tow her to safety, Brazen succumbed to her injuries and sank, with the loss of one crew member. Today, her wreck lies in two sections on a sandy seabed, with torpedo tubes, depth charges, and guns still visible, offering divers a glimpse into this wartime relic.
HMS Flirt
HMS Flirt, a 380-tonne destroyer launched in 1897, met her fate on 27 October 1916 during a German raid in the Dover Strait. Mistaking enemy ships for allies, she halted to rescue survivors, illuminating the scene with her searchlight. Seizing the opportunity, German forces launched a torpedo that struck Flirt amidships, sinking her swiftly and resulting in significant loss of life. Today, divers can explore her wreck at a depth of 38 metres; the central structure rises approximately 4 metres from the seabed, though it’s shrouded in old fishing nets.
SS Cuvier
The SS Cuvier, a 2,299-ton steamship built in 1883, met a tragic end on 9th March 1900. Under Captain William Spratly, she collided with the Norwegian SS Dovre near the East Goodwin lightship while en route from Antwerp to Brazil. The disaster claimed 26 lives, with only three survivors rescued by the Windsor. Today, the wreck rests upright in 43 metres of water, standing 12 metres proud. Divers can explore its accessible holds, which still contain crockery, and observe abundant marine life in the often clear mid-channel waters.
UB-55
In the early hours of 22 April 1918, the German U-boat SM UB-55, under the command of Oberleutnant zur See Ralph Wenninger, met a tragic fate in the Dover Strait. After departing Zeebrugge, the submarine struck a mine, causing catastrophic flooding and the loss of 30 crew members. The survivors faced harrowing conditions, including rising water, chlorine gas from breached batteries, and diminishing air quality. Despite these challenges, six crew members managed to escape and were later rescued. Today, the wreck of UB-55 rests at a depth of approximately 33 metres, serving as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by submariners during World War I.
HMS Blackwater
In 1903, the Royal Navy commissioned HMS Blackwater, a 550-ton destroyer armed with 12-pounder and 6-pounder guns, along with torpedo tubes. Tragically, on 6 April 1909, she collided with the SS Hero near Dungeness during a voyage from Portland to the Firth of Forth, leading to her sinking.
Today, the wreck rests at a depth of 33 metres, with sections rising 3 to 4 metres above the seabed. Divers can observe notable features such as the curved winches near the bow and various openings in the deteriorated hull. Despite silty conditions, the site offers an engaging dive experience, often accompanied by an abundance of scallops.
Mindora
In the murky waters off Folkestone, 27th November 1864 bore witness to a maritime disaster. The Khersonese, a substantial vessel en route from London to Calcutta, collided with the Mindora, a barque embarking on her maiden voyage to Vancouver Island. The impact was catastrophic, leading to the Mindora’s swift sinking. Fortunately, all souls aboard were rescued. The Khersonese, though severely damaged, managed to return to London for repairs. This tragic event underscores the perils faced by 19th-century mariners navigating the treacherous waters of the English Channel.
SS Unity
The tale of SS Unity is one of courage and tragedy, set against the backdrop of a world at war. In her loss, we find a story that echoes across generations—a story of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. Through the lens of history, we remember them, not just as victims of war but as part of the enduring legacy of the sea.