2008
NG7725 : Wreck of the HMS Port Napier in Loch Alsh
taken 16 years ago, near to Kyle of Lochalsh/Caol Loch Aillse, Highland, Scotland
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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