R.N. Steam Pinnace 288
Steam Pinnace 288. 22/11/1917
Displacement: grt.
Length: 52 foot. Beam: . Draught:
Propulsion: 2 cylinder compound engine, single shaft, 1 screw
Complement: officers and men.
Men Lost: 0
Armament: .None
Displacement: grt.
Length: 52 foot. Beam: . Draught:
Propulsion: 2 cylinder compound engine, single shaft, 1 screw
Complement: officers and men.
Men Lost: 0
Armament: .None
In 2020 the Lost in Waters Deep project started researching lost steam pinnace and picket boats in Scapa Flow. The aim was to try and identify an unknown pinnace located on the east side of Scapa Flow. Steam Pinnace Unknown - LOSTINWATERSDEEP.CO.UK
Several HD files (Hydrographic Dept.) held at UKHO refer to Steam Pinnace losses worldwide between 1914-1918.
HD 1917/3879: Subject: HMS 'Valiant' loss of picket boat on 22nd November 1917 through bad weather.
Research showed that HMS Valiant was in Scapa Flow at this time.
Wendy Sadler obtained the logbook for HMS Valiant for November 1917 (ADM 53/66717)
Several HD files (Hydrographic Dept.) held at UKHO refer to Steam Pinnace losses worldwide between 1914-1918.
HD 1917/3879: Subject: HMS 'Valiant' loss of picket boat on 22nd November 1917 through bad weather.
Research showed that HMS Valiant was in Scapa Flow at this time.
Wendy Sadler obtained the logbook for HMS Valiant for November 1917 (ADM 53/66717)
The full report of the HES funded survey can be downloaded here:

sula_report-pinnace-288_final_v03.pdf | |
File Size: | 4906 kb |
File Type: |
We are very pleased that Pinnace 288 has been added to the NAS list of adopted wrecks.
We hope people continue enjoy this unique little wreck and request that people submit photos and videos if diving the site so that it can be fully recorded.
All of the dive boat skippers in Scapa Flow encourage the "Look But Do Not Touch" approach on 288 and appreciate its value as a dive site for all to enjoy.
Pinnace 288 has had a few visitors this year since we made the report public.
We hope people continue enjoy this unique little wreck and request that people submit photos and videos if diving the site so that it can be fully recorded.
All of the dive boat skippers in Scapa Flow encourage the "Look But Do Not Touch" approach on 288 and appreciate its value as a dive site for all to enjoy.
Pinnace 288 has had a few visitors this year since we made the report public.
*Nov 2021* - We have been sent some fabulous photos from Jo Willmer of her Grandfather HH Hesk helming HMS Valiant's steam pinnace. It is quite possible that these images are actually of SP288, or sister boat SP287.