Monday, July 8, 2024

Horst Martini-Probably


The wreck listed on wrecksite.eu as the Seven Seas is not the Seven Seas. Wrecksite references Dive Sussex - Kendal McDonald's position, while Neil Maw's WW1 Channel wrecks suggest it lies a mile to the east, and SIBI likely used Kendal's coordinates at 50 38 E 00 15. Survivors' accounts place her roughly 6 miles off Beachy Head, aligning with the aforementioned positions.

The wreck in question has only one boiler, whereas the Seven Seas had two, in addition to a two-cylinder engine, unlike the Seven Seas' three-cylinder. 

Regarding the identity of this unknown wreck, I initially considered it might be the SS Coath, but research revealed that the Coath had two boilers.
Recent finds though point to it being CT19, which is what the British called the requestioned steamer SS Horst Martini. 
No positive ID unfortunately but I'd be very surprised if it Isn't Horst!