Paddle steamer · 1821–1825 · Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom
Captain Duncan McInnes was among the thirteen survivors of the Comet II disaster, which claimed around seventy-three lives. The paddle steamer, built by James Lang in 1821, collided with the Ayr off Kempock Point in the Firth of Clyde. The collision, attributed to the absence of navigation lights and a bow lookout, led to the Comet II sinking within minutes.
Despite the Ayr's damaged state, her return to Greenock without attempting a rescue drew significant criticism. Captain McInnes faced charges of culpable homicide and received a three-month jail sentence.
Efforts to salvage the Comet II began in December 1825 but faced delays due to poor weather. The wreck remained underwater until the following summer, when Mr. Brown of Aberdeen successfully raised and beached her on 21st July 1826. The Comet II's tragic loss marked one of the earliest steamship disasters on the Clyde.
4 of 5 facts above are cited in Sources below.
Built 1821 by James Lang, Dumbarton; 4 years in service. Lost October 21st, 1825, collision.
A reference and a starting point, not a dive plan. Plan any dive with a local professional who knows the site and the conditions on the day.
No published depth has been found for this wreck.
A further 3 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.
COMET II is a paddle steamer wreck located off Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom. The vessel was lost due to collision in 1825. The wreck is diveable.
COMET II sank after a collision on October 21st, 1825, off Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom.
COMET II is accessed by boat from Dunoon, Firth of Clyde, United Kingdom.