Warship · 1968–2004 · Devon, United Kingdom

HMS Scylla

Also known as Scylla, HMS Scylla (F71).

When HMS Scylla was scuttled in Whitsand Bay on 27 March 2004, she became Europe's first purpose-built artificial diving reef — and an instant Plymouth landmark. The last Royal Navy frigate built at Devonport Dockyard, she had served with distinction from 1970 until her 1993 decommissioning as the final Leander-class vessel on active duty.

Cleaned of contaminants and prepared for her new role, she now sits upright on sand between 9 and 26 metres, her 113-metre hull colonised by a rapidly developing ecosystem of anemones, sponges and fish that marine biologists continue to study.

Type
WarshipBritish
Year built
1968Devonport Royal Dockyard
Lost
March 27th, 2004Scuttled
Casualties
0
Length
113 m13 m beam
Depth
9–26 m
Location
Devon, United KingdomEnglish Channel

4 of 7 facts above are cited in Sources below.

Deeper than 74 of the 185 wrecks on the map with a recorded depth.

  • Depth: 26 m shown; range in sources 24–26 m. Other published figures exist (why sources disagree).

History and LossLost March 27th, 2004 · Scuttled · Devon, United Kingdom.

Leander-class frigate (Batch 3A), the last Royal Navy frigate built at Devonport Dockyard. Paid off in 1993 as the final ship of her class on active service. Intentionally sunk on 27 March 2004 by the National Marine Aquarium as Europe's first purpose-made artificial diving reef.

Built 1968 by Devonport Royal Dockyard; 36 years in service, also recorded as Scylla and HMS Scylla (F71). Lost March 27th, 2004, scuttled.

0lives lost on March 27th, 2004.

Condition of the WreckLargely intact, lying upright on sandy seabed, in 9–26 m, on sand.

Intactness

Upright on sandy seabed. Significant marine colonisation since sinking.

Notable Features

  • Last RN frigate built at Devonport
  • Leander-class frigate
  • 540m from James Eagan Layne

Additional Details14 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.

Nationality
British
Flag
United Kingdom
Builder
Devonport Royal Dockyard
Propulsion
Steam turbine
Loss date
March 27th, 2004
Latitude
50.3278° N
Longitude
4.2527° W
Water body
English Channel
War grave
No
Protected
No
Permit required
No
Condition
Largely intact
Orientation
Upright on sandy seabed
Seabed
Sand

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.

  • Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright and database right.

A further 4 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 Scylla?

HMS Scylla is the wreck of a warship, off Devon, United Kingdom, at 26 metres. HMS Scylla was scuttled in 2004.

How deep is the HMS Scylla?

HMS Scylla lies at 9 to 26 metres, Whitsand Bay, South Cornwall, 540m west of James Eagan Layne.

How did the HMS Scylla sink?

HMS Scylla was scuttled on March 27th, 2004, off Devon, United Kingdom. No lives were lost.