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Derek Slater | all galleries >> Scotland >> Isle of Skye (on-going...) > Port Napier with Skye Bridge in distance
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12-AUG-2011

Port Napier with Skye Bridge in distance

Isle of Skye view map

The main wreck of the 9,600 tons HMS Port Napier lies in the Kyle of Lochalsh a couple of hundred yards offshore from Skye. Her wheelhouse was blown onto the shore. During a gale in Nov 1940 the newly commissioned ship dragged her anchor and grounded with no apparent damage. the following day Nov 27th attempts were made to refloat her and a fire broke out in the engine room . There was a cargo of 400 mines aboard and amid fears of an almighty explosion the local area was cleared. When volunteers returned to try and disarm the mines and drop them into the sea to lighten the ship there was was an explosion followed by an enormous flash which blew the innards out of the ship and the wheelhouse onto the shore. Several years later the Royal Navy removed the mines ( which had not blown up in the explosion as feared) and several thousand rounds of ammunition for her 2 4" guns.


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