Project Strangford Lough: MY Alastor

History

Initially the wreck was thought to be the "MY Alasidair," but research carried out by Queen University Sub Aqua Club (April 2004) showed it to be the MY Alastor.

courtesy QUB

Built in 1927 by shipbuilders Camper and Nicholson, for Sir Thomas Sopwith, the luxury yacht was named the "MY Vita," extending 143 feet long, with a gross tonnage of 340 tons.

Two years later Sir Thomas Sopwith sold her to Sir John Shelley-Rolls. Sir John renamed her "MY Alastor," after a poem written by his ancestor; Percy Bysshe Shelley (the husband of Frankenstein author, Mary Shelley).

In 1939 the MoWT acquired her for use as a means of transport to supply vessels outside Strangford Lough throughout the war.

In 1947 following the end of the war it was decided the vessel needed a fresh coat of paint, and was moored 80 metres from the shore at "Ringhaddy," for the work to commence. A fire broke out on board and the Alastor, moored too far off shore for the Fire Brigade to reach, sank in the same place she lies today. All 6 crew were safely rescued.

Ringhaddy today

As to how the fire started is open to debate; some report a fire broke out in the galley, others say that the crew having stripped the Alastor of all her brass fittings purposely started the fire. Who knows?

The Wreck

Lying in around 22 metres of water in "Ringhaddy Sound," The MY Alastor is one of the most popular dive sites in Northern Ireland. This is largely due to its sheltered location, ease of access from the shore, the condition, and the upright position of the wreck. Many of the features such as the bath and the funnel remain apparent.

courtesy Divernet

It is home to a wide variety of marine life, including corkwing and cuckoo wrasse, lobster and of course the resident congers.

Project Baseline

The project will aim to monitor the condition of the wreck, and the marine life that live on her. The 2004 University study suggested the wreck itself was a unique habitat, therefore we will be comparing the data gathered from MY Alastor to that of Ringhaddy Sound, the area in which she lies.

We will also be monitoring the activity of the Conger Eels and their relationship with the seasons.