The Shirala (Wreck)

United Kingdom / England / Westergate-Barnham-Yapton /
 First World War 1914-1918, shipwreck, draw only border
5306-ton British liner, built 1901. 410ft x 50ft. 387hp triple-expansion engines. Cargo: 213 passengers, 5000 tons general, 180 tons ammunition for Army, 1700 tons mail, including diamonds, London for Bombay. Position: 50 40.92N; 00 35.17W. Depth: 24m.
Sunk: 2 July, 1918 by torpedo in port side from UB-57 (Oberleutnant Johann Lohs). Five crew killed.
Diving: Maximum depth in front of boiler. Sand fills open holds. Bow and stern 7m proud. Much damage from explosives, crane and grab used in commercial salvage. Items found recently include binoculars, telescopes, wine, shell-cases, French perfume, brass clocks, medical equipment, elephant tusks and lorry spares, but diamonds and ship's bell still in wreckage!
Launch: Littlehampton.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   50°40'59"N   -0°35'10"E

Comments

  • The optical goods were shipped by Lawrence & Mayo, an optical company with offices in London and several cities in India. From the National Archives:WWI claim settlement: Steamer: Shirala. Nature of goods: Optical and Sundry Goods. Value: £1310. Payment to: Glanvill Enthoven and Company. Assured: Lawrence and Mayo. Date of Settlement: 17/08/1918
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This article was last modified 12 years ago