lost 1631 · Dorset, United Kingdom
The Swash Channel Wreck is the remains of an early 17th-century armed merchantman wrecked outside Poole Harbour. The ship, believed to be a 40-metre-long Dutch merchantman from the early 17th century, ran aground on a sandbank. This loss left behind a significant archaeological site, with approximately 40% of the port side preserved.
The wreck, lying in the English Channel off Dorset, is protected due to its historical importance. It remains partially buried, with sections exposed to erosion and wood-boring organisms. The site, discovered during dredging operations in 1990, has been extensively studied by Bournemouth University and Wessex Archaeology.
Artefacts recovered include ornate carvings, ceramics, and personal items, offering insights into the ship's construction and life aboard.
3 of 5 facts above are cited in Sources below.
The Swash Channel Wreck is most likely the Dutch West Indiaman Fame of Hoorn, which ran aground and sank in the approaches to Poole Harbour in February 1631. The wreck was discovered in 1990, when a dredger struck the sand and shingle bank in which she lay.
Lost 1631, grounding.
The wreck lies upside-down, with approximately 40% of the port side preserved from above the keel line to the stern and bow castles. The structure is split into two pieces and is rapidly eroding due to exposure to erosion and wood-boring organisms.
This is a legally protected site. A permit is required to dive this site.
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.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water temp | 7° | 7.5° | 8° | 9.5° | 11° | 13.5° | 16° | 18° | 17° | 14° | 10.5° | 8.5° |
| Visibility | 4m | 4m | 5m | 6m | 8m |
A further 9 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.
Swash Channel Wreck is a ship wreck located off Dorset, United Kingdom at a depth of 7 metres. The vessel was lost due to grounding in 1631. The wreck is diveable.
Swash Channel Wreck lies at approximately 7 metres depth, English Channel, Dorset.
Swash Channel Wreck ran aground on 1631, off Dorset, United Kingdom.
As reported, diving the Swash Channel Wreck is rated beginner and is suitable for newly certified Open Water divers. Minimum certification: Confirm with a local operator. 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.
The best months to dive Swash Channel Wreck are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Water temperature ranges from 7°C in winter to 18°C in summer.
Swash Channel Wreck is accessed by boat from Swanage, Dorset, United Kingdom. A dive permit is required.
Exposure to erosion · Wood-boring organisms · Rapidly disappearing
| 16m |
| 20m |
| 15m |
| 8m |
| 6m |
| 4m |
| Access | poor | poor | marginal | good | good | good | good | good | good | good | marginal | poor |
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| Marine life | Minimalwinter conditions | Minimalwinter conditions | Minimalwinter conditions | Moderateseason starting | Goodcuttlefish, wrasse, pollack, nudibranchs | Goodcuttlefish, wrasse, pollack, nudibranchs | Peakcuttlefish, large shoals, conger eels, nudibranchs, bass | Peakcuttlefish, large shoals, conger eels, nudibranchs, bass | Goodcuttlefish, wrasse, pollack, nudibranchs | Goodwrasse, pollack | Minimalwinter conditions | Minimalwinter conditions |
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