Shipwreck Data Max Depth - ? Meters. Visibility - 5 - 20 feet Condition - Intact as a whole, smashed superstructure (torpedo impact) Date of Sinking - 1917 Location for launch - Lymington The Salsette was a unique ocean liner for the Edwardian Age. Commissioned in 1908 she was a very fast ship by the standards of the day. Capable of 20 knots she made record-breaking trips, slashing the journey-time for the Marseille-to-Bombay run among others. At the outbreak of WW1 she was immediately put to good use transporting supplies to India. Unfortunately the very boon that allowed her to outrun U-Boats (none were fast enough at that time) also meant complacency crept in. On a calm day in July 1917 her crew failed to spot the periscope of UB-40. By the time they spotted the white-tail of a torpedo streaking towards them it was too late. 14 of the crew went down with the ship. Today the wreck is in recreational limits and it is easy to imagine the Salsette in her former glory. The wooden decking is still there but vast amounts of the superstructure have collapsed elsewhere. Still in place is a deck gun and bits of machinery. Wreck penetration of the internal structure is possible, but ensure you follow your plans and prepare accordingly. |
