The SS Derbent
Suitible for Sports Diver/Advanced Open Water and above
Depth30-45m
Distance 30 miles
The ill faited SS Derbent
The Ship
On 29 November 1917 the SS Derbent left Liverpool bound for Queenstown (Southern Ireland) to deliver 3,850 tons of fuel oil to the naval depot there. On route she was torpedoed buy U96, skippered by Captain Jetz who, two days previously, had also sent the SS Apapa to the bottom.
In the early hours of the 30th of December, about 6 miles from the North Anglesey coast she enountered the U96 and took a torpedo in the side. Being only a few miles from the coast and in fair seas, the crew had enough time to abandon ship and no lives were lost. The ship survived a further few days with the bow still breaking the surface before finally sinking.
The Dive
Although it is reachable from New Brighton foreshore, it's a long haul, so it best approached from the Island of Angelsey, specificaly Bulls Bay. From there the wreck of the Derbent is a 6 mile hop.
The Derbent now lies in 45m of water on her Port side with her bow facing NW and the stern to the SE. The wreck is almost completely intact and as there is no signs of the torpedo hit, it is highly probable the impact site is on the port side, now firmly sealed against the sea bed. As you reach the stern, mooring bollards are still clearly visible and attached. Over the gunwhale the rudder can be seen alongside a massive steel propeller. Swimming up the stern will bring you onto the starboard side of the ship.
Caution
Should the visibility be low, some care should be taken or you could inadvertantly swim inside one of the holds which is not difficult given their size.