Guides
SS Thesis re-visited
Although the original guide for this wreck is contained in the general overview guide it has really changed beyond belief and as such I have produced a new guide which is much more relevant.
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Latest Photographs
The horizontal boiler, again quite good condition, I assume that its relative depth saves it from most of the pounding damage
As you approach the debris field you will find little lengths of lead coated wiring sticking out of the sand or protruding from under stones.
The general topography...... the rocks are not as smooth as you may expect considering the considerable tidal forces but the surfaces are smothered with various filter feeders which thrive in the oft moving flow!
A Common Whelk (Nucella lapillus), this one had a chiton (Polyplcophora) along for the ride!
This is the 'gutter' in the middle of the site, with the steep side and shelving northern side meeting about 1/3 way out from south skeer.
Typical geology, the surfaces are covered in Dead mans fingers (Alcyonium digitatum), the bottom being small vertical faces, rocks and large boulders....all very scenic and pretty in good vis!
An arty shot of a Spider Crab (Maja brachydactylus), can you spot the eye?
More wreckage that has just collapsed in on itself
Despite the apparent lack of food there are large shoals of Perch
There are more and more Bull Huss (Scyliorhinus stellaris) in the area and this one was relatively lively and wouldn't let me get close for a photograph.
Another arty shot of the stringy like Bootlace Weed (Chorda filum) that is found in lower inter-tidal water. Apparently quite tasty too!
You can now look along the prop-shaft tunnel
You will find this particular sponge all over 'shallow' sites around the Northumbrian coast, not being an expert I can only guess that it is Stelletta lactea and if someone wishes to correct me then great!
Heading down the boulder slope for the starting point, good vis but don't go straight to the bottom, you will go round and round in a pit!
The boilers again
Tubes from the broken up boiler.......
This smaller donkey boiler is standing on one of the flate ends and large sections of the outer case have, over the years, come adrift meaning that you can look in on the various tubes and pipes. To find it when you get out from the cut through Knifestone follow the wall right.
The sandstone bed-rock slowly steps up towards teh cliffs, in this case it is worn away in tiny steps, probably the equivalent to the layers that were laid down over time.
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