Devon Coast (Site 5006)

This is the wreck of the Devon Coast, an early 20th century three-masted steamer that sank in 1908 after a collision with another steamer, Jeanie. Locally the site is known as the "Stone Boat" due to the cargo of cement it was transporting. However it has now been identified as the Devon Coast after a diver discovered a builders plate that was inscribed with 'Harkess and Sons Ltd No. 163'.

The wreck lies in 16m of water (CD) south of Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex. It consists of two separate sections; the full extents of which measure 80m x 18m. A large mound between the two sections is thought to be the remains of the cement cargo. A mast measuring 4.8m still protrudes vertically from the wreck.

In August and October 2002 Wessex Archaeology completed a sidescan sonar survey and two dive surveys in order to test the methodology of rapid survey and assessment, and obtain details about the Devon Coast's construction and appearance.

In June the following year, WA returned to the site and completed further surveys, including multibeam, sub-bottom profiler and magnetometer. The main aim was to confirm the identification of the vessel as that of the Devon Coast and to complete a reconstruction of the vessel, since no plans survive. The magnetometer results indicated the site is one large metal anomaly; presumably from the metal hull. The multibeam data provided much more evidence of the surviving structural elements of the vessel including the engine, boiler and frames. Diving fieldwork was carried out in August 2003 and comprised cleaning the site, removing anchor tackle, and identifying and recording the wreck remains.

Underwater photos can be viewed by clicking the red spots on the multibeam image here, together with a link to further information about the vessel's specifications.

Although the dive results showed there was no noticeable change of the condition of the wreck, this site is much more vulnerable to seabed processes due to its close proximity to the shoreline. It is also greatly affected by fishing trawlers - as evidenced by tackle and gear found entwined around the structural elements of the wreck during the diving surveys.