Warship · 1904–1914 · Scottish Borders, United Kingdom

HMS Pathfinder

Also known as Pathfinder.

On 5 September 1914, just weeks into the First World War, HMS Pathfinder made unwanted history as the first major warship ever sunk by a locomotive torpedo fired from a submarine. SM U-21, commanded by Otto Hersing, struck the scout cruiser's forward magazine, and the resulting explosion tore the bow clean off. Of her complement, 259 men were lost.

She now rests upright in around 60 metres of water off St Abbs, her hull intact from stern to bridge area but the bow section scattered where the magazine detonated. A designated war grave under the Military Remains Act, she may be visited but not disturbed. Those who descend to her pay their respects to a moment that changed naval warfare forever.

StatusWar graveStatusProtected site
Type
WarshipBritish
Year built
1904
Lost
September 5th, 1914Torpedo
Casualties
259World War I
Depth
54–62 m
Location
Scottish Borders, United KingdomNorth Sea

3 of 6 facts above are cited in Sources below.

Deeper than 161 of the 185 wrecks on the map with a recorded depth.

History and LossLost September 5th, 1914 · Torpedo · World War I · Scottish Borders, United Kingdom.

First major warship in history to be sunk by a torpedo fired from a submarine. Struck by a torpedo from SM U-21 (Kapitanleutnant Otto Hersing) off St Abbs. The torpedo hit the forward magazine, causing a catastrophic explosion.

Built 1904; 10 years in service, also recorded as Pathfinder. Lost September 5th, 1914, torpedo during World War I.

259lives lost on September 5th, 1914.

Condition of the WreckBroken, lying upright, oriented 100/290 degrees, in 54–62 m.

Intactness

Sits upright on flat seabed. Hull intact from stern to bridge area; bow section broken off from initial torpedo explosion and magazine detonation. Wreck rises 8 metres above seabed.

Notable Features

  • First warship sunk by submarine torpedo in history
  • Designated war grave
  • Bow section separated by magazine explosion
  • Rises 8m above flat seabed

Regulations and RestrictionsWar grave · Protected site.

This is a war grave, where human remains may be present and a legally protected site. Protected place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 (Ministry of Defence).

No disturbance, removal or interference with remains or artefacts. Controlled site under Military Remains Act.

Additional Details15 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.

Nationality
British
Flag
United Kingdom
Propulsion
Steam
Loss date
September 5th, 1914
Conflict / event
World War I
Latitude
56.12° N
Longitude
2.17° W
Water body
North Sea
Protection regime
Military Remains Act 1986 — designated war grave
Artefact restrictions
No disturbance, removal or interference with remains or artefacts. Controlled site under Military Remains Act.
War grave
Yes
Protected
Yes
Permit required
No
Condition
Broken
Orientation
Upright, oriented 100/290 degrees

Sources and VerificationEvery cited fact on this page traces to a published source.

Background reading is listed for context and is not counted as a citation for the facts above.

A further 3 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.

Licences and credits for the open data used on this site are on the Attribution page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HMS Pathfinder?

HMS Pathfinder is the wreck of a warship, off Scottish Borders, United Kingdom, at 62 metres. HMS Pathfinder was torpedoed in 1914.

How deep is the HMS Pathfinder?

HMS Pathfinder lies at 54 to 62 metres, Off St Abbs, Berwickshire, North Sea.

How did the HMS Pathfinder sink?

HMS Pathfinder was torpedoed on September 5th, 1914 during World War I, off Scottish Borders, United Kingdom. 259 people lost their lives.

Is the HMS Pathfinder protected?

Yes. HMS Pathfinder is protected: protected place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 (Ministry of Defence). HMS Pathfinder is recorded as a war grave.