Barque · 1867–1888 · Dumfries and Galloway, United Kingdom
The wreck of the Estrella de Chile had significant consequences, leading to a Board of Trade inquiry that found the master at fault for errors in judgement. The barque, built by Lawrence Hill & Company in 1867, was lost on the Robin Rigg Sandbank in the Solway Firth, resulting in the tragic death of her first mate, James Napier. She had been carrying a cargo of 890 tons of steel rails destined for Rosario.
The vessel became a total wreck after being stranded and battered by severe sea conditions, forcing the crew to take refuge in the rigging. A lifeboat, towed by the tug Seahorse, managed to rescue the remaining 14 crew members. Following the incident, Alfred Gann & Company was contracted to recover the valuable cargo.
Today, the wreck lies with notable features such as her anchor and remnants of her cargo still present, though diveability is not established.
4 of 5 facts above are cited in Sources below.
Built 1867 by Lawrence Hill & Company of Port Glasgow; 21 years in service. Lost November 25th, 1888.
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.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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| Water temp | 7.1° | 6.2° | 6.6° | 8.4° | 11.2° | 13.7° | 15.7° | 16.7° | 15.6° | 13.2° | 10.9° | 8.7° |
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A further 3 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.
ESTRELLA DE CHILE is a barque wreck located off Dumfries and Galloway, United Kingdom. The wreck is diveable.
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