HMS Argyll
HMS Argyll. 28/10/1914
Displacement: 10,850 grt.
Length: 144.3 m. Beam: 20.9 m. Draught: 7.3 m.
Propulsion: 2 x 3 cyl. triple expansion engines, 4 boilers, dual shaft, 2 screws
Complement: 600 + officers and men.
Crew Lost: 0 officers and men.
Armament: 4 x 7.5 inch guns,- 6 x 6 inch guns - 2 × single 12-pounder - 18 (QF) 3-pounder Hotchkiss guns
Displacement: 10,850 grt.
Length: 144.3 m. Beam: 20.9 m. Draught: 7.3 m.
Propulsion: 2 x 3 cyl. triple expansion engines, 4 boilers, dual shaft, 2 screws
Complement: 600 + officers and men.
Crew Lost: 0 officers and men.
Armament: 4 x 7.5 inch guns,- 6 x 6 inch guns - 2 × single 12-pounder - 18 (QF) 3-pounder Hotchkiss guns
History
Manchester Courier - Saturday 31 May 1902
BOILERS FOR NEW WARSHIPS. Wo are officially informed that the Admiralty have decided on the following types of boilers for the six first-class cruisers of the 901-2 programme now under construction: —H.M.S. Devonshire (Chatham Dockyard), a combination of four fifths Niclausser. one-fifth cylindrical boilers: H.M.S. Hampshire (Sir W G. Armstrong, Whitworth. and Co.). combination of four-fifths Yarrow and one-fifth cylindrical • H. M.S. Carnarvon (Messrs. Broadmore and Co.), combination four-fifths Niclausser and one-fifth eylhdrical: H.M.S. Roxburgh (the London and Glasgow Shipbuilding Co.). a combination of four-fifths Durr and one-fifth cylindrical; H.M.S. Argyll (the Greenock Foundry Co.). a combination of four-fifths and Wilcox and one-fifth cylindrical; H.M.S.Antrim (Messrs. J. Brown and Co.), combination of four-fifths Yarrow and one-fifth cylindrical boilers
BOILERS FOR NEW WARSHIPS. Wo are officially informed that the Admiralty have decided on the following types of boilers for the six first-class cruisers of the 901-2 programme now under construction: —H.M.S. Devonshire (Chatham Dockyard), a combination of four fifths Niclausser. one-fifth cylindrical boilers: H.M.S. Hampshire (Sir W G. Armstrong, Whitworth. and Co.). combination of four-fifths Yarrow and one-fifth cylindrical • H. M.S. Carnarvon (Messrs. Broadmore and Co.), combination four-fifths Niclausser and one-fifth eylhdrical: H.M.S. Roxburgh (the London and Glasgow Shipbuilding Co.). a combination of four-fifths Durr and one-fifth cylindrical; H.M.S. Argyll (the Greenock Foundry Co.). a combination of four-fifths and Wilcox and one-fifth cylindrical; H.M.S.Antrim (Messrs. J. Brown and Co.), combination of four-fifths Yarrow and one-fifth cylindrical boilers
Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Friday 12 February 1904
THE CRUISER ARGYLE. Messrs Scott & Co. have applied to Greenock Harbour Trust for berth in James Watt Dock for the cruiser Argyle, which is to launched from dockyard on the 3rd prox. The period is for two months, at the end of which it is expected that the basin at the firm’s dockyard will ready to receive the cruiser. The berth will likely at the top of the dock, near to where H.M.S. Benbow was overhauled by Messrs Scott k Co. last year.
THE CRUISER ARGYLE. Messrs Scott & Co. have applied to Greenock Harbour Trust for berth in James Watt Dock for the cruiser Argyle, which is to launched from dockyard on the 3rd prox. The period is for two months, at the end of which it is expected that the basin at the firm’s dockyard will ready to receive the cruiser. The berth will likely at the top of the dock, near to where H.M.S. Benbow was overhauled by Messrs Scott k Co. last year.
Evening Irish Times - Thursday 03 March 1904
The first class armoured cruiser Argyll, of the County class, was successfully launched this afternoon at Messrs. Scott and Co.'s yard, Greenock. The keel of the new vessel was laid in September, 1902. Her principal dimensions are-- Length, 450 feet; breadth, 68 feet; displacement, 10,700 tons, 22,000 horse power, and speed 221⁄4 knots. Her armament will consist of four 7.5 quick-firing guns in barbettes, six 6-inch quick-firing guns in casemates, two 12-pounder quick-firing guns, twenty-three 3-pounder quick-firing guns, two maxims, and two 18-inch submerged torpedo tubes. The Argyll will have four large funnels and two masts with tops for searchlights, and there will be a wireless telegraphy room and apparatus below. She will be fitted with Babcock and Wilcox boilers. Mrs. Campbell, wife of the Convenor of the County of Argyll, performed the christening ceremony.
The first class armoured cruiser Argyll, of the County class, was successfully launched this afternoon at Messrs. Scott and Co.'s yard, Greenock. The keel of the new vessel was laid in September, 1902. Her principal dimensions are-- Length, 450 feet; breadth, 68 feet; displacement, 10,700 tons, 22,000 horse power, and speed 221⁄4 knots. Her armament will consist of four 7.5 quick-firing guns in barbettes, six 6-inch quick-firing guns in casemates, two 12-pounder quick-firing guns, twenty-three 3-pounder quick-firing guns, two maxims, and two 18-inch submerged torpedo tubes. The Argyll will have four large funnels and two masts with tops for searchlights, and there will be a wireless telegraphy room and apparatus below. She will be fitted with Babcock and Wilcox boilers. Mrs. Campbell, wife of the Convenor of the County of Argyll, performed the christening ceremony.
Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Friday 04 March 1904
Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Friday 04 March 1904
Western Times - Wednesday 15 August 1906
TORQUAY MAN'S RASH ACT. Alleged Attempted Suicide on H.M.S. "Argyll." It is reported that, early on Saturday morning, Mr. John Randolph Hingston, signal boatswain on board H.M.S. '"Argyll," and who is native of Torquay, where he has a wife and several children living, was found by another warrant officer in his cabin, in the act of cutting his throat with ' a razor. The officer in question rushed forward, and succeeded in preventing his comrade committing any more serious injury to himself. The man was at once conveyed to the sick bay and attended by Staff-Surgeon Facey, who found there were only several surface scratches on the neck. Hingston was, however, removed to the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, where he was not treated on the surgical, bmt on the medical side. The cuts inflicted his neck were not at all serious, but the man was found to be suffering from severe nervous prostration, and he remains at the in;.titution under treatment for that complaint. Mr. Hingston has been in indifferent health for some time, and his general demeanour, in consequence of this, has caused those on board the Argyll some anxiety.
TORQUAY MAN'S RASH ACT. Alleged Attempted Suicide on H.M.S. "Argyll." It is reported that, early on Saturday morning, Mr. John Randolph Hingston, signal boatswain on board H.M.S. '"Argyll," and who is native of Torquay, where he has a wife and several children living, was found by another warrant officer in his cabin, in the act of cutting his throat with ' a razor. The officer in question rushed forward, and succeeded in preventing his comrade committing any more serious injury to himself. The man was at once conveyed to the sick bay and attended by Staff-Surgeon Facey, who found there were only several surface scratches on the neck. Hingston was, however, removed to the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, where he was not treated on the surgical, bmt on the medical side. The cuts inflicted his neck were not at all serious, but the man was found to be suffering from severe nervous prostration, and he remains at the in;.titution under treatment for that complaint. Mr. Hingston has been in indifferent health for some time, and his general demeanour, in consequence of this, has caused those on board the Argyll some anxiety.
Illustrated London News - Saturday 01 December 1906
THE WORLD RECORD IN GUNNERY: HMS ''ARGYLL'S'' PRIZE TEAM WITH THEIR TARGET. HIT THIRTEEN TIMES IN THIRTEEN SHOTS.
A gun crew of H.M.S. Argyll has made the wonderful record of thirteen hits in thirteen rounds from 7'5. gun in 1.5 minutes. This is the finest gunnery performance that the world has seen. —[PHOTOGRAPH BY THORNE]
THE WORLD RECORD IN GUNNERY: HMS ''ARGYLL'S'' PRIZE TEAM WITH THEIR TARGET. HIT THIRTEEN TIMES IN THIRTEEN SHOTS.
A gun crew of H.M.S. Argyll has made the wonderful record of thirteen hits in thirteen rounds from 7'5. gun in 1.5 minutes. This is the finest gunnery performance that the world has seen. —[PHOTOGRAPH BY THORNE]
Western Evening Herald - Thursday 15 April 1909
Groundless Rumour of a Disaster.
VESSEL LEAVES CROMARTY TO-DAY
There was a persistent rumour current in Davenport last evening that H.M.S. Argyll had been in collision, and that several lives had been lost. The Admiralty were unable to furnish any information on the matter.
An Inverness message says that the Home Fleet, which has been in Cromarty Firth since Saturday, and is now joined by the Atlantic Fleet (under the command of Prince Louis of Battenberg), both have ample accommodation in the natural harbour between Cromarty and Invergordon, has been exercising in Moray Firth under Admiral Sir W. H. May. The fleets will leave to-day (Thursday) for Scapa Flow, Orkney, for manoeuvres on an extensive scale.
The Argyll Sails To-Day with the Fleet.
The Press Association telegraphs this afternoon:
The Home Fleet and the Atlantic Fleet left Cromarty Firth this morning for Orkney. The whole of the ships with the exception of the repair ship and a few torpedo-boats, departed together.
The Argyll sailed in her place in the Atlantic Fleet.
No news has been received at Inverness of an accident to the Argyll, and it is thought that if any mishap did occur it must have been of a minor character.
Groundless Rumour of a Disaster.
VESSEL LEAVES CROMARTY TO-DAY
There was a persistent rumour current in Davenport last evening that H.M.S. Argyll had been in collision, and that several lives had been lost. The Admiralty were unable to furnish any information on the matter.
An Inverness message says that the Home Fleet, which has been in Cromarty Firth since Saturday, and is now joined by the Atlantic Fleet (under the command of Prince Louis of Battenberg), both have ample accommodation in the natural harbour between Cromarty and Invergordon, has been exercising in Moray Firth under Admiral Sir W. H. May. The fleets will leave to-day (Thursday) for Scapa Flow, Orkney, for manoeuvres on an extensive scale.
The Argyll Sails To-Day with the Fleet.
The Press Association telegraphs this afternoon:
The Home Fleet and the Atlantic Fleet left Cromarty Firth this morning for Orkney. The whole of the ships with the exception of the repair ship and a few torpedo-boats, departed together.
The Argyll sailed in her place in the Atlantic Fleet.
No news has been received at Inverness of an accident to the Argyll, and it is thought that if any mishap did occur it must have been of a minor character.
Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 26 July 1910
A CRUISER'S SURPRISE VISIT. H.M.S. Argyll, first-class cruiser, ten guns, 18,000 hp., commanded by Captain Cecil Lambert, arrived in the Forth yesterday. She approached near to Burntisland, and anchored in the roadstead. The vessel held little communication with the shore. She is said to have on board a distinguished Army officer, and while lying off the shore another military officer, who arrived by motor car, was taken out to the cruiser. She abruptly left the roadstead last evening, her destination, it is understood, being Dundee. The utmost reticence was observed as to the object of her visit and her future movements, but it is surmised that she is to be the sole representative of the invading fleet,
A CRUISER'S SURPRISE VISIT. H.M.S. Argyll, first-class cruiser, ten guns, 18,000 hp., commanded by Captain Cecil Lambert, arrived in the Forth yesterday. She approached near to Burntisland, and anchored in the roadstead. The vessel held little communication with the shore. She is said to have on board a distinguished Army officer, and while lying off the shore another military officer, who arrived by motor car, was taken out to the cruiser. She abruptly left the roadstead last evening, her destination, it is understood, being Dundee. The utmost reticence was observed as to the object of her visit and her future movements, but it is surmised that she is to be the sole representative of the invading fleet,
Wells Journal - Friday 22 October 1915
ROLL OF HONOUR
Mechanician Richard Whittle No. 2 Mess, H.M.S. Argyle, 3rd Cruiser Squadron. (Wells, married, one child.)
ROLL OF HONOUR
Mechanician Richard Whittle No. 2 Mess, H.M.S. Argyle, 3rd Cruiser Squadron. (Wells, married, one child.)
Western Times - Tuesday 26 October 1915
Thomas H. Johns, seaman on H.M.S. " Argyle," was charged with being an absentee,—P.S. Bromell stated that Johns told him he broke out of his ship the 17th. He was remanded in custody to await naval escort.
Thomas H. Johns, seaman on H.M.S. " Argyle," was charged with being an absentee,—P.S. Bromell stated that Johns told him he broke out of his ship the 17th. He was remanded in custody to await naval escort.
The Loss
On October 27, HMS Argyll was off Fife Ness while sailing from Devonport to Scapa Flow, Orkney in poor weather.
Unsure of exact position a signal asking for the Bell Rock to be lit was sent. The lighthouse had no radio and due to the poor weather a boat carrying instructions could not reach the lighthouse.
In darkness the Argyll hit the reef on the west side of Bell Rock.
All 655 crew were saved, having been rescued by two destroyers, Hornet and Jackal,
Unsure of exact position a signal asking for the Bell Rock to be lit was sent. The lighthouse had no radio and due to the poor weather a boat carrying instructions could not reach the lighthouse.
In darkness the Argyll hit the reef on the west side of Bell Rock.
All 655 crew were saved, having been rescued by two destroyers, Hornet and Jackal,
Aberdeen Evening Express - Thursday 28 October 1915
BRITISH CRUISER ASHORE. Grounded Off East Coast of Scotland. FEARED TOTAL WRECK, Officers and crew Saved, The Secretary of the Admiralty makes the following announcement H.M.S. Argyll (Captain James G. Tancred, R.N.) grounded this morning off the east of Scotland, and, owing to the bad weather prevailing, it is feared she may become total wreck. All the officers and crew have been saved. 10,850 TONS. H.M.S. Argyll is a cruiser of 10,850 tons, and her armament consists four 7.5 inch guns, and six 6 inch. She was completed in 1905. Her speed 22i knots. According to the official Navy list her principal officers are:— Captain, James C. Tancred, Commander, Ralf Collins. Lieutenant-Commander, W. B. Green.
BRITISH CRUISER ASHORE. Grounded Off East Coast of Scotland. FEARED TOTAL WRECK, Officers and crew Saved, The Secretary of the Admiralty makes the following announcement H.M.S. Argyll (Captain James G. Tancred, R.N.) grounded this morning off the east of Scotland, and, owing to the bad weather prevailing, it is feared she may become total wreck. All the officers and crew have been saved. 10,850 TONS. H.M.S. Argyll is a cruiser of 10,850 tons, and her armament consists four 7.5 inch guns, and six 6 inch. She was completed in 1905. Her speed 22i knots. According to the official Navy list her principal officers are:— Captain, James C. Tancred, Commander, Ralf Collins. Lieutenant-Commander, W. B. Green.
Drawing of Bell Rock Lighthouse on Chart 149. Elie to Arbroath (1920) - UKHO
The Wreck
HMS Argyll has the UKHO Wreck Card 3008.
The wreck was added to the chart in 1919 in position 56 26 00N02 23 30W (see chart below)
Later in 1919 a note was added by the Northern Lighthouse Board ''Wk correctly charted''.
The wreck was added to the chart in 1919 in position 56 26 00N02 23 30W (see chart below)
Later in 1919 a note was added by the Northern Lighthouse Board ''Wk correctly charted''.
Bell Rock on Chart 149. Elie to Arbroath (1920) - UKHO
Bell Rock on Chart 149. Elie to Arbroath (1923) - UKHO
In 1923 the Wreck Card was amended to DW (Dangerous Wreck) and was erased from chart 2162B
In 1982 a dive survey was conducted and result added to the Wreck Card
''SEARCHED FOR 25.9.82 AROUND W SIDE OF BELL ROCK. ONLY PARTS FOUND WERE V SHALLOW, IN GULLEYS, TOWARDS THE REEF AND COVERED BY ROCKS. APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN WELL FLATTENED BY THE SEA. HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT ANY WRECKAGE STANDS HIGH ENOUGH TO BE MORE OF A DANGER TO SHIPPING THAN THE REEF ITSELF''. (W MURNEY, 3.10.82 & 23.10.82).
As a result of this survey the wreck was amended to NDW (None Dangerous Wreck)
A survey by Gardline Hydro in 2008, using Multi Beam Echo Sounder failed to locate the wreck and the card was amended to ''DEAD''
In 1982 a dive survey was conducted and result added to the Wreck Card
''SEARCHED FOR 25.9.82 AROUND W SIDE OF BELL ROCK. ONLY PARTS FOUND WERE V SHALLOW, IN GULLEYS, TOWARDS THE REEF AND COVERED BY ROCKS. APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN WELL FLATTENED BY THE SEA. HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT ANY WRECKAGE STANDS HIGH ENOUGH TO BE MORE OF A DANGER TO SHIPPING THAN THE REEF ITSELF''. (W MURNEY, 3.10.82 & 23.10.82).
As a result of this survey the wreck was amended to NDW (None Dangerous Wreck)
A survey by Gardline Hydro in 2008, using Multi Beam Echo Sounder failed to locate the wreck and the card was amended to ''DEAD''
Salvage
Dundee Courier - Wednesday 02 February 1921
LIVERPOOL SALVAGE ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
H.M.S. Argyll.—This vessel stranded Bell Rock, off Dundee. Owing to the very exposed position and the severe damage she had received, no attempt could be made to save the vessel, though nearly all her guns and other valuable equipment were salved by means of the Ranger's derricks.
LIVERPOOL SALVAGE ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
H.M.S. Argyll.—This vessel stranded Bell Rock, off Dundee. Owing to the very exposed position and the severe damage she had received, no attempt could be made to save the vessel, though nearly all her guns and other valuable equipment were salved by means of the Ranger's derricks.
Montrose Standard - Thursday 24 May 1956
Three deep-sea divers are to attempt to salvage parts of H.M.S. Argyll which foundered on the Bell Rock in 1915.
Three deep-sea divers are to attempt to salvage parts of H.M.S. Argyll which foundered on the Bell Rock in 1915.
Arbroath Herald - Friday 12 March 1971
Divers Unusual Haul
Mr Robert Spink, jun., and Mr Clark Ross, members of the Conaor Sub Aqua Club, with some of the bottles which were found on the wreck of H.M.S. Argyll.
Three members of the Condor Sub-Agua Club, Arbroath, taking advantage of the fine weather on Saturday, dived at one of their favourite spots at the Bell Rock, and made an unusual haul. They returned with several barnacle-encrusted bottles of champagne, beer and soda water. The bottles were from the wreck of the 10,000 ton cruiser, H.M.S. Argyll, which went ashore on the ...at of October 15, 1915, and became a total loss. The water, some 35 feet deep, was almost crystal clear. After searching the wreck for some time, the trio—Messrs Robert R. Spink, jun., the club’s president; Clark Ross, vice-president; and Brian Bruce, secretary and treasurer—found a cache of liquor which probably came from the captain’s cabin or wardroom. When they got back on board their boat they opened one of the champagne bottles. The cork came out with a definite “pop’,’ said Robert Spink. The champagne was still drinkable, but not very palatable. It was clear and still bubbling and I sparkling.” An examination of the cork revealed the maker’s name, Pol Roger & Co., Champagne,” and the bottle’s vintage 1909.” A larger bottle remained unopened. Although the wires holding the corks had gone, the corks remained because of the pressure of the water. Other bottles had contained beer made by “ Mumby & Co., Makers to the King,” and two soda water bottles bore the same name, with the addition of Soda water makers to the Queen, Portsmouth and Gosport.” The club are to try and ascertain the legal position regarding the bottles. It has already been suggested, however, that they would make an interesting exhibit at the new museum which it is planned to set up at the Signal Tower in Ladyloan.
Arbroath Herald - Friday 12 December 1980
DIVERS SALVAGE ARMOUR PLATE FROM H.M.S. ARGYLL
Armour-plated steel from the 10,850-ton battle cruiser, H.IM.S. Argyll, which foundered on the Bell Rock, some 12 miles off Arbroath, in October, 1915, is now being sent to Germany. The cruiser was on her way north to re-join the fleet at Scapa Flow, when she struck the rock, the light on which was then blacked-out as Britain was at war with Germany. All 655 members of the crew were, however, rescued. The Gauldry based Kilburns Salvage Company have just brought more than 400 tons of the steel to the surface, and have been compelled to sell it to a German armour firm because of the recession in this country. The salvage company is run by ‘ Alec Crawford and Charlie Butterworth, who bought the Argyll from a Peterhead ship-breaking firm. “The steel is of very high quality and has a very low radiation count,” explained Mr Crawford. “We had hoped to sell it to the British Steel Corporation for use in making shielding for body scanners. “But as everyone knows the corporation is not in the best of condition, and we were forced to look to the continent for buyers. “There are still around another 300 tons of steel which we have to bring up,” said Mr Crawford, ‘‘so hopefully the market will pick up again in this country so that at least some of it can be put to use here.” The low radiation- count comes about because of the steel’s nonexposure to the atmosphere since the Argyll sank, and one possible use being discussed at the moment is for its being incorporated into nuclear fall-out shelters.
Raising the steel took the Gauldry men about three months, but involved many hours of hard work. “Fortunately’”, said Mr Crawford, the Argyll went down in fairly shallow water, and raising the steel did not pose too many problems.” Lying alongside the plates are some of the gun barrels and turrets from the cruiser. She was built in Greenock in 1905, and was commanded by Captain J. C. Tancred at the time of her sinking.
DIVERS SALVAGE ARMOUR PLATE FROM H.M.S. ARGYLL
Armour-plated steel from the 10,850-ton battle cruiser, H.IM.S. Argyll, which foundered on the Bell Rock, some 12 miles off Arbroath, in October, 1915, is now being sent to Germany. The cruiser was on her way north to re-join the fleet at Scapa Flow, when she struck the rock, the light on which was then blacked-out as Britain was at war with Germany. All 655 members of the crew were, however, rescued. The Gauldry based Kilburns Salvage Company have just brought more than 400 tons of the steel to the surface, and have been compelled to sell it to a German armour firm because of the recession in this country. The salvage company is run by ‘ Alec Crawford and Charlie Butterworth, who bought the Argyll from a Peterhead ship-breaking firm. “The steel is of very high quality and has a very low radiation count,” explained Mr Crawford. “We had hoped to sell it to the British Steel Corporation for use in making shielding for body scanners. “But as everyone knows the corporation is not in the best of condition, and we were forced to look to the continent for buyers. “There are still around another 300 tons of steel which we have to bring up,” said Mr Crawford, ‘‘so hopefully the market will pick up again in this country so that at least some of it can be put to use here.” The low radiation- count comes about because of the steel’s nonexposure to the atmosphere since the Argyll sank, and one possible use being discussed at the moment is for its being incorporated into nuclear fall-out shelters.
Raising the steel took the Gauldry men about three months, but involved many hours of hard work. “Fortunately’”, said Mr Crawford, the Argyll went down in fairly shallow water, and raising the steel did not pose too many problems.” Lying alongside the plates are some of the gun barrels and turrets from the cruiser. She was built in Greenock in 1905, and was commanded by Captain J. C. Tancred at the time of her sinking.
St. Andrews Citizen - Friday 30 July 1982
Fishing boat salvaged for new career
A former fishing boat, which lay in 30 feet of water off the Orkneys for two months, is being refitted for use as a salvage vessel by the Kilburn Salvage Company of Gauldry. The 90-foot purse seneir Responsive, is to be used in the business run by Alec Crawford of Kilburns Farm, who raised the vessel from the seabed at the naval base at Hoy where it was originally taken for refitting before it broke loose and sank. The Kilburn Company has been involved in salvaging past 12 years, with Responsive one of the biggest challenges. The fishing boat was found to be in remarkably good condition when Mr Crawford bought it and got down to salvaging with his employee Charlie Barron of Kirkton Farm, Gauldry. Working throughout January, the two prepared the vessel to be raised, using compressed air and huge lifting bags. Once on the surface it was towed back to Tayport. Last week Responsive was towed to Victoria Dock, Dundee, preparatory to refitting operations. On completion it will replace Mr Crawford's present boat Valorous. He acquired Valorous while engaged in the salvage of S.S. Oceanic off the island of Foula and he also used it in extensive operations working on the wreck of HMS Argyll at the Bell Rock. He lives at Kilburns with his wife Moya and two young sons.
Fishing boat salvaged for new career
A former fishing boat, which lay in 30 feet of water off the Orkneys for two months, is being refitted for use as a salvage vessel by the Kilburn Salvage Company of Gauldry. The 90-foot purse seneir Responsive, is to be used in the business run by Alec Crawford of Kilburns Farm, who raised the vessel from the seabed at the naval base at Hoy where it was originally taken for refitting before it broke loose and sank. The Kilburn Company has been involved in salvaging past 12 years, with Responsive one of the biggest challenges. The fishing boat was found to be in remarkably good condition when Mr Crawford bought it and got down to salvaging with his employee Charlie Barron of Kirkton Farm, Gauldry. Working throughout January, the two prepared the vessel to be raised, using compressed air and huge lifting bags. Once on the surface it was towed back to Tayport. Last week Responsive was towed to Victoria Dock, Dundee, preparatory to refitting operations. On completion it will replace Mr Crawford's present boat Valorous. He acquired Valorous while engaged in the salvage of S.S. Oceanic off the island of Foula and he also used it in extensive operations working on the wreck of HMS Argyll at the Bell Rock. He lives at Kilburns with his wife Moya and two young sons.
