25 October 2023: Update to the information on the Isabella(2) and photo of her added.
28 June 2023: Link added to an underwater video of the Clan Mackinlay taken by Mike Gunn from Wick.
20 January 2023: Update to the information regarding the loss of the Cemfjord in 2015 and a link added to an underwater video of the Freya taken by Mike Gunn from Wick.
20 January 2022: Minor update to the listing for the Isabella(2) which was lost in 1918.
11 January 2022: Minor update to the listing for the John wrecked near Reay in 1771.
8 October 2021: Updated with the tragic story of the loss of the Wick registered fishing boat, Margaret, which hit a mine in 1917.
3 January 2021: Updated with the tragic story of the Aberdeen trawler George Robb which sank at Duncansby Head in 1959.
17 August 2020: Entry for the wreck of the Vicksburg updated from information supplied by Mr Jimmy McGeachy.
12 April 2020: The previous entry for Camba has been removed and replaced with entry for the Pampa which is the correct name for the wreck concerned.
10 April 2020: Latest update includes information and photo of the fishery protection vessel, Freya, which sank off Clyth in 1959.
4 April 2020: Latest update includes information on the Belgian steam trawler, Neptune, which sank in Freswick Bay in 1928.
3 April 2020: Latest update includes information on the steamers Jorgen Bugge and the Scorpio which sank of Scarfskerry and Wick respectfully.
7 March 2020: Some minor updates to the Hellsmouth Rum page.
14 April 2019: Quick update to introduce our new range of Rum Liqueurs from the Hellsmouth Rum Company.
17 August 2018: Latest update includes information on the Liverpool sailing ship, Leila, which sank near Noss Head in 1865.
29 April 2018: Underwater video of the wreck of the Gretafield added to our You-Tube channel.
24 February 2018: Latest update includes information and photos of the German trawler, Hessen, which sank off Duncansby Head in 1987.
11 February 2018: Underwater video of the wreck of the Rein added to our You-Tube channel.
2 January 2018: Latest update includes details and photos of the scallop dredger, Golden Promise, which wrecked on Stroma in 2011.
7 August 2017: Underwater video of the wreck of the St. Nicholas added to our You-Tube channel.
4 August 2017: Addition of some old photos of munitions salvaged from the Isleford.
4 April 2017: Some more underwater photos add of the German Destroyer V-81.
28 March 2017: Superb aerial photos of the Jean Stephen added courtesy of "Caithness by the Droneside".
5 March 2017: Latest update includes details of the Wick schooner, Dahinda, which wrecked at Proudfoot in 1859.
8 January 2017: Addition of the stories and photographs of the wrecking of the Ashbury in 1945 and the Fisher Boy (1) in 1949. The total number of wrecks now stands at 258.
6 December 2016: Addition of more underwater photos of the Thyra and the addition of a video of some of the Thyra's remains added to our You-Tube channel.
4 December 2016: After, locating and diving the wreck of the Thyra, which wrecked near the Stacks o' Duncansby, we have now added some information on her sinking and some photos.
22 October 2016: Minor updates to the pages for the Kiruna and Wreckers Alley.
24 September 2016: Latest update includes information on the barque, Martha, which wrecked on Dunnet Sands in 1873.
2 August 2016: Latest update includes more underwater photos of the Sudero and the addition of a video of the remains of the Sudero added to our You-Tube channel.
28 July 2016: Latest update includes information regarding the Russian barque, Au Revoir, which wrecked at Keiss in 1876.
25 July 2016: Latest update includes information and photos of the Inverness trawler, Solan, which wrecked at Murkle in 1995.
9 July 2016: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the sloop, Ruby, at Freswick in 1844.
1 May 2016: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the Danish fishing vessel, Metha, in Wick Bay in 1934.
16 April 2016: Latest update includes information and photos of the Faroese fishing boat, Else, which wrecked at the Ness of Duncansby in 1961.
9 April 2016: Latest update includes information on the sinking of the Dundee steamer, Jacona, off Wick in 1915.
3 April 2016: Latest update includes information and photos of the Wick fishing boat, Fisher Boy, which wrecked at Brims Ness in 1953.
31 March 2016: Latest update includes information and photos of the cargo ship, Kathe Niederkirchner, which sank off Muckle Skerry in 1965.
20 March 2016: Latest update includes more photos of the steamship, Stellatus, including links to an underwater video of the wreck-site which now appears on our You-Tube channel.
12 March 2016: Latest update includes information and photos of the trawler, Dalewood, which wrecked at Dunnet Head in 1974.
11 March 2016: Latest update includes some underwater photos taken of the recently discovered wreck of the Swedish steamer, Stellatus.
5 March 2016: Latest update includes information on the Banff registered trawler, Arnisdale, which sank at Dounreay in 1994.
25 January 2016: Latest update includes information on the destroyer, HMS Lynx, which hit a mine and sank off the Caithness coast in 1915.
16 January 2016: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the brigantine, Salima, at Dunnet Head in 1847.
31 December 2015: We finish the year with an update to include the mysterious wreck of the Swedish barque, Hans. Readers may be able to draw their own conclusion as to whether the wreck exists at Broadhaven or not?
26 December 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the brigantine, John, at Reay in 1771.
21 December 2015: Latest update includes information of the wrecking of the schooner, Thomas & Elizabeth, at Keiss Sands in 1843.
10 December 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the Wick fishing boat, Margaret Gunn in the Pentland Firth in 1878.
6 December 2015: Information added regarding the tragic events of Black Saturday when 37 men lost their lives off Caithness.
24 November 2015: We are pleased to announce the creation of our new Hellsmouth Diving You Tube Channel which will feature underwater video of some of the wrecks listed. Keep checking back for updates.
21 November 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the schooner, Emelie, at Ackergill in 1876, with the loss of nine lives. Following this incident a lifeboat was installed at Ackergill in 1878.
18 November 2015: The Harborough has now been removed from the list of wrecks as new information has come to light confirming that the Harborough was towed to Kirkwall, Orkney after being bombed by German Aircraft off Noss Head, Caithness in 1940. The total number of wrecks listed now reduces to 256.
14 November 2015: Latest update includes information on the Peterhead registered schooner, Flower of Buchan, which sank off Ackergill in 1881.
27 October 2015: The Lossiemouth seine-net fishing boat, Acorn, has now been added to the list of wrecks, bringing the total number up to 257.
28 September 2015: Following a recent dive, some more photos of the St. Nicholas (1) taken by local photographer Paul Steven, have been added.
10 September 2015: Latest update includes information on the Stornaway brig, Mary, which wrecked on Scrabster Sands in 1830.
8 September 2015: Latest update includes information on the Liverpool barque, Victoria (2), which stranded on the Pentland Skerries in 1849.
2 September 2015: Website updated with the story and photographs of the Swedish steamer, Stellatus, which sank off Freswick in 1959.
28 August 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking and subsequent re-build of the sailing ship, Lord Suffield in 1832.
27 August 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the Faroese schooner, Langanes, at Scrabster in 1941.
8 August 2015: Latest update includes information and photos of the wrecking of the Gunnaren, on Swona in 1935.
2 August 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the schooner, Rose, at Whaligoe in 1861.
1 August 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the schooner, Enigheden, in Wick Bay in 1870.
29 July 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the schooner, Emmanuel, at Wick in 1865.
8 July 2015: Latest update includes information on the sinking of the schooner, Arnold, at Proudfoot in 1861.
26 June 2015: Six new wrecks added to the list with details on each to follow later. They are the Arnold, Dahinda, Emmanuel, Enigheden, Julie and Rose. This brings the total number of wrecks listed to 256.
20 June 2015: Updated with the story of the sinking of the Grimsby trawler, Sudero, at Sarclet in 1903 and her subsequent rediscovery by divers on 18 June 2015.
14 June 2015: Latest update includes information on the sinking of the barque, Larne in 1863, the brigantine, Scotia in 1866 and the schooner, Good Design in 1871.
29 May 2015: Latest update includes information on the London registered, Fingal, which wrecked in 1811 and the Flower of Olrig and James, which both wrecked at Murkle Bay in 1887.
21 May 2015: Latest update includes information on the Aberdeen brig, Favourite, which ran ashore at Duncansby Head in 1857.
10 May 2015: Information added on the sailing lugger, Three Bells and the Belgian trawler, De Haai. Also photos of some artefacts added on the pages for HMS Daring, the Isleford, Njord, Rein and the St. Nicholas.
5 May 2015: Information and photos from scrapping operations at Broadhaven Bay has now been added. So far, the names of only two vessels have been identified. The total number of wrecks therefore rises to 250.
2 May 2015: The Dovrefjell, Harlaw and Oljaren have been removed from the list of wrecks, as they were refloated before they sank. However, the wrecks of the De Haai and the Hans have been added as well as the 18 fishing boats lost off Wick, during the tragic storm of Black Saturday 1848. The total number of wrecks now comes to 248.
28 April 2015: Details added on the sinking of the Aberdeen trawler, Strathalford, which foundered in Wick Bay in 1940, with the loss of three of her crew.
24 April 2015: Details added on the wrecks of the Wick schooner Isabella(2), which disappeared in 1918 and for the French whaler, St. Martin, which wrecked at Huna in 1674.
23 April 2015: Details added on the wrecks of the Edina and the Thetis, which along with the Aesceili and Anna, sank within two days of each other on the island of Stroma in 1830.
14 March 2015: Details now added for the wrecks of the Diadem and Concordia. Information also included for the Eagle, Elfin, Matilda, Sisters, Sunderland and Dunrobin, which were all wrecked at Thurso during the same violent storm in 1862.
11 March 2015: Information added on the British Midget Submarine HMS X-22, which sank off Dunnet Head in 1944, following a collision.
6 March 2015: Information on the Girl Kathleen now added.
1 March 2015: Latest update includes details on the Maria and the Victoria(1).
24 February 2015: Latest update includes details on the Hermick, Isabella and the Njord.
23 February 2015: Latest update includes details on the Fridealk, Loyal Friend, Margaret Littlejohn, Northward and the Warrior.
21 February 2015: Details and photos of German submarine U-18, which was sunk of the Pentland Skerries in 1914.
17 February 2015: Details added for the Thunfisch, which sank off Duncansby Head in 1975.
15 February 2015: Latest update includes information on the Braes of Enzie, Gem, Henry and the Girl Betty.
13 February 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecks of the sailing ships; St. Nicholas, Thomas Dougall, Familien and Sisters.
12 February 2015: Details and photos added of the Servus, which sank below Dunbeath Castle in 1959.
10 February 2015: Details added for the Rutlandshire, which sank off Stroma in 1936.
8 February 2015: Details of the steamship, Victoria, wrecked at Scarfskerry in 1891.
7 February 2015: Updated with details of the cargo ship, Carisbrook, sunk by U-38 in 1915.
6 February 2015: Details and photos added of the Danish steamship, Tekla, sunk off Wick in 1940 by U-22.
3 February 2015: Total number of wrecks now reaches 231, with the addition of the Stavanger registered steam trawler, Veronica.
31 January 2015: Information now added for the Magdalene Hughes, Minerva, Tilia and the Strathbran. Also information and photo added on the sinking of the Viking by U-19.
30 January 2015: Three new wrecks added to the list, bringing the total to 230. They are the Magdalene Hughes, the Minerva and the Three Bells. Information on these to follow in due course. In the meantime information now added on the sinking of the Stratheyre.
28 January 2015: Updated with details and photos of the Makalla, which was sunk along with the Llanishen, off Wick in 1940 by German Heinkel bombers.
26 January 2015: Updated with details and photos of the Rhone and the Sleipner, both of which were sunk on the same night by U-14.
24 January 2015: Updated with details and photos of the Wick Harbour Dredger, Badger.
23 January 2015: Updated with details of the Loch Esk, which sank off Dunnet Head in 1929.
22 January 2015: Updated with details and photos of HMS Sword Dance, sunk off Wick in 1942.
21 January 2015: Updated with details and picture of the Norwegian Steamer, Breid, sunk by UC-41 off Noss Head in 1917.
20 January 2015: Updated with details on the Gardar and the Lord Percy. The addition of the Lord Percy to the list brings the total number of wrecks up to 227.
17 January 2015: Updated with details and photo of the Navarre, wrecked at Skirza in 1939.
12 January 2015: Updated with details of the wrecking of the Violet on Keiss Beach.
10 January 2015: Updated with details of the wrecks of the Marz, Geysir and Merrivale.
7 January 2015: Details and photos of the recent sad loss of the Cemfjord added. The Art Young however has been removed from the list of wrecks, as although the vessel ran aground on Stroma, she was later refloated.
2 January 2015: Details and photos added of the tragic sinking of HMS Exmouth, sunk by German submarine U-22 in January 1940, with the loss of all her crew.
29 December 2014: Details added for the wrecking and subsequent salvage operations of the Pennsylvania, which sank off Swona in 1931.
27 December 2014: Details added for the wrecking of the Sunlight at Murkle in 1953.
23 December 2014: Details added on the wrecking of the St. Ronan on St. John's Point in 1952.
20 December 2014: Latest update includes the wrecks of the Camba, Harry and the Edward VII.
14 December 2014: Latest update includes the wrecks of the Cairndhuna, Morning Star and the Grey Abbey.
6 December 2014: Latest update includes the wrecks of the Harborough and Grayson.
26 November 2014: Information and photo added for the wreck of the Marstenen.
25 November 2014: Information added for the Corona, Express and Avra.
22 November 2014: The total number of wrecks increases to 226 with the addition of the Glen Loth. Information also added on the wrecks of the Shaw, Noreg and Lotos.
20 November 2014: Total number of wrecks increased to 225 with the addition of the Roskva. Information also added on the wrecks of the Hercules, Polarstjernen and the Marie Louise.
13 November 2014: Information added on the wrecks of the Stettin, Pera, Water Lily, Nore, Minna, Young Donald, Dauntless and Rathkenny.
12 November 2014: Additional 40 new wrecks added to the list, with details on each to follow. However the Benachie has been removed from the list as she was salvaged and taken to Wick by lorry, where she was repaired. The Benachie cannot therefore be considered a wreck. This brings the total number of wrecks to 224.
22 October 2014: Information on the Cudweed, Glen Urquhart and Guide Me now added.
20 October 2104: Three more wrecks added to the list, bringing the total to 185. They are the Cudweed, Glen Urquhart and Guide Me, for which information on each will appear in due course.
18 October 2014: Information and photos added for the Clan Mackinlay which was sunk by German aircraft in 1940 off Freswick.
4 October 2014: New wreck added, bringing the total listed to 182. The new wreck is the Ansgarius for which details of her wrecking are now included. Also included is information and photos of the fishing boat Scottish Maid which sank in 1981.
3 October 2014: Information and photos of the wreck of the Isleford in Wick Bay added.
20 September 2014: Information and photo of the Norwegian steamer Navarra added.
7 September 2014: Information and photos of the Ben Barvas, wrecked on Little Skerry in January 1964 now added.
2 September 2014: Information on the wreck of the Vicksburg added, including photos of the Muckle Skerry graveyard, where seven drowned sailors from her are buried.
20 August 2014: Detailed information added for the Kiruna and the Llanishen.
12 August 2014: Detailed information and photos added for the Gretafield.
11 August 2014: Information added for the wreck of the Braconbush.
7 July 2014: Detailed information added for the wrecks of the Speedwell and Star of Victory.
29 June 2014: Attempt made to locate and dive the remains of the Thyra near Duncansby Head, but so far nothing found, although divers kept company by pair of common dolphins above and below the water.
21 June 2014: Detailed information and photo added for the Sound Fisher.
14 June 2014: Detailed information added for the Petersburg and the Pitstruan.
9 June 2014: Detailed information added for the Mormond and the North Sea.
2 June 2014: Detailed information added for the Belfast registered Malin Head.
28 May 2014: Two more wrecks added to the list, bringing the total to 181. These are the Metha and Tilia. Details on both new wrecks to follow.
26 May 2014: Latest update includes information on another two warship losses. These being HMS Fiona and HMS Imogen.
24 May 2014: Latest update includes detailed information on two warships sunk by separate enemy action. They are HMS Beech sunk by a bomb dropped by an aircraft in Thurso Bay and HMS Daring sunk by U-23 commanded by the famous Otto Kretschmer, 40 miles East of Duncansby Head. Tragically many lives were lost in both incidents.
22 May 2014: On 21 September 1942 two vessels were lost together. They were the tug St. Olaves and the barge Gold Crown which she was towing. Detailed information for both vessels has now been added.
19 May 2014: Detailed information added for the Gertrud.
8 May 2014: Detailed information and underwater photos of the St. Nicholas (1) added. Also added some more underwater photos of the Dromara.
6 May 2014: Photograph of the Aase as she was in 1925 added.
In another exciting development top local underwater photographers Paul Steven and Simon Miller have given Hellsmouth permission to use their stunning photos on our website, so expect their photos to start appearing soon. Simon specialises in macro photography (small marine life) so you will be able to see for yourself some of the marine life that inhabit some of the wrecks listed.
5 May 2014: More underwater photographs of the cargo from the wreck of the Aase added.
4 May 2014: Great news!! - after a break of around 30 years the wreck of the steamship Aase was relocated and dived today by a team from Caithness Diving Club consisting of Dave Steele, Simon Miller and David Carter. The first ever underwater photographs of the wreck as it is now have been added to our website. Not much of the wreck of the ship itself located but lots of her cargo of railway carriages was found.
30 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Empire Parsons, Ems and George Smith.
29 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Cotherstone, Drangajokull (including photos) and the Eamont.
26 April 2014: Detailed information added regarding our signature wreck the Jean Stephen, which lies aground on the beautiful Reiss Beach.
24 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Copeland and Corinthia. The story of the Copeland being particularly interesting as the writer H Rider Haggard, who wrote King Solomon's Mines, was on board at the time.
22 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Champion and the Christiansborg.
20 April 2014: New section featuring Ship Photographs added. This section aims to show what the wrecks featured look like before they sank.
Detailed information and photos added for the Dromara.
18 April 2014: Some information and underwater photos of the German Destroyer V-81 added.
17 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Bydand and some photos added for the Andrias.
15 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Carency.
14 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Rein along with a selection of underwater photos taken on 13 April 2014, the 77th anniversary of her sinking.
12 April 2014: Great news! One of Caithness's top underwater photographers, Dave Steele, has given us access to his photos. A selection of these will be appearing in due course, starting with the addition of some to the Linkmoor gallery.
Further update to the information on the Andrias.
10 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Euclase, Jura, Koorah and Salvage King. Two new photos of the stranded Linkmoor also added.
9 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Andrias, Ann, Anna and Azalee.
8 April 2014: Hellsmouth website goes live. Includes list of 179 shipwrecks. Detailed information for the Aase, Aesceili and Anna, Ahti, Ardmore, Arradoul, Aurelia, Avenel, Ben Meidie, Ben Rinnes, Berriedale, Bothal and Linkmoor added. Information on all other wrecks listed to follow in due course, so check back regularly for latest updates.
28 June 2023: Link added to an underwater video of the Clan Mackinlay taken by Mike Gunn from Wick.
20 January 2023: Update to the information regarding the loss of the Cemfjord in 2015 and a link added to an underwater video of the Freya taken by Mike Gunn from Wick.
20 January 2022: Minor update to the listing for the Isabella(2) which was lost in 1918.
11 January 2022: Minor update to the listing for the John wrecked near Reay in 1771.
8 October 2021: Updated with the tragic story of the loss of the Wick registered fishing boat, Margaret, which hit a mine in 1917.
3 January 2021: Updated with the tragic story of the Aberdeen trawler George Robb which sank at Duncansby Head in 1959.
17 August 2020: Entry for the wreck of the Vicksburg updated from information supplied by Mr Jimmy McGeachy.
12 April 2020: The previous entry for Camba has been removed and replaced with entry for the Pampa which is the correct name for the wreck concerned.
10 April 2020: Latest update includes information and photo of the fishery protection vessel, Freya, which sank off Clyth in 1959.
4 April 2020: Latest update includes information on the Belgian steam trawler, Neptune, which sank in Freswick Bay in 1928.
3 April 2020: Latest update includes information on the steamers Jorgen Bugge and the Scorpio which sank of Scarfskerry and Wick respectfully.
7 March 2020: Some minor updates to the Hellsmouth Rum page.
14 April 2019: Quick update to introduce our new range of Rum Liqueurs from the Hellsmouth Rum Company.
17 August 2018: Latest update includes information on the Liverpool sailing ship, Leila, which sank near Noss Head in 1865.
29 April 2018: Underwater video of the wreck of the Gretafield added to our You-Tube channel.
24 February 2018: Latest update includes information and photos of the German trawler, Hessen, which sank off Duncansby Head in 1987.
11 February 2018: Underwater video of the wreck of the Rein added to our You-Tube channel.
2 January 2018: Latest update includes details and photos of the scallop dredger, Golden Promise, which wrecked on Stroma in 2011.
7 August 2017: Underwater video of the wreck of the St. Nicholas added to our You-Tube channel.
4 August 2017: Addition of some old photos of munitions salvaged from the Isleford.
4 April 2017: Some more underwater photos add of the German Destroyer V-81.
28 March 2017: Superb aerial photos of the Jean Stephen added courtesy of "Caithness by the Droneside".
5 March 2017: Latest update includes details of the Wick schooner, Dahinda, which wrecked at Proudfoot in 1859.
8 January 2017: Addition of the stories and photographs of the wrecking of the Ashbury in 1945 and the Fisher Boy (1) in 1949. The total number of wrecks now stands at 258.
6 December 2016: Addition of more underwater photos of the Thyra and the addition of a video of some of the Thyra's remains added to our You-Tube channel.
4 December 2016: After, locating and diving the wreck of the Thyra, which wrecked near the Stacks o' Duncansby, we have now added some information on her sinking and some photos.
22 October 2016: Minor updates to the pages for the Kiruna and Wreckers Alley.
24 September 2016: Latest update includes information on the barque, Martha, which wrecked on Dunnet Sands in 1873.
2 August 2016: Latest update includes more underwater photos of the Sudero and the addition of a video of the remains of the Sudero added to our You-Tube channel.
28 July 2016: Latest update includes information regarding the Russian barque, Au Revoir, which wrecked at Keiss in 1876.
25 July 2016: Latest update includes information and photos of the Inverness trawler, Solan, which wrecked at Murkle in 1995.
9 July 2016: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the sloop, Ruby, at Freswick in 1844.
1 May 2016: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the Danish fishing vessel, Metha, in Wick Bay in 1934.
16 April 2016: Latest update includes information and photos of the Faroese fishing boat, Else, which wrecked at the Ness of Duncansby in 1961.
9 April 2016: Latest update includes information on the sinking of the Dundee steamer, Jacona, off Wick in 1915.
3 April 2016: Latest update includes information and photos of the Wick fishing boat, Fisher Boy, which wrecked at Brims Ness in 1953.
31 March 2016: Latest update includes information and photos of the cargo ship, Kathe Niederkirchner, which sank off Muckle Skerry in 1965.
20 March 2016: Latest update includes more photos of the steamship, Stellatus, including links to an underwater video of the wreck-site which now appears on our You-Tube channel.
12 March 2016: Latest update includes information and photos of the trawler, Dalewood, which wrecked at Dunnet Head in 1974.
11 March 2016: Latest update includes some underwater photos taken of the recently discovered wreck of the Swedish steamer, Stellatus.
5 March 2016: Latest update includes information on the Banff registered trawler, Arnisdale, which sank at Dounreay in 1994.
25 January 2016: Latest update includes information on the destroyer, HMS Lynx, which hit a mine and sank off the Caithness coast in 1915.
16 January 2016: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the brigantine, Salima, at Dunnet Head in 1847.
31 December 2015: We finish the year with an update to include the mysterious wreck of the Swedish barque, Hans. Readers may be able to draw their own conclusion as to whether the wreck exists at Broadhaven or not?
26 December 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the brigantine, John, at Reay in 1771.
21 December 2015: Latest update includes information of the wrecking of the schooner, Thomas & Elizabeth, at Keiss Sands in 1843.
10 December 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the Wick fishing boat, Margaret Gunn in the Pentland Firth in 1878.
6 December 2015: Information added regarding the tragic events of Black Saturday when 37 men lost their lives off Caithness.
24 November 2015: We are pleased to announce the creation of our new Hellsmouth Diving You Tube Channel which will feature underwater video of some of the wrecks listed. Keep checking back for updates.
21 November 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the schooner, Emelie, at Ackergill in 1876, with the loss of nine lives. Following this incident a lifeboat was installed at Ackergill in 1878.
18 November 2015: The Harborough has now been removed from the list of wrecks as new information has come to light confirming that the Harborough was towed to Kirkwall, Orkney after being bombed by German Aircraft off Noss Head, Caithness in 1940. The total number of wrecks listed now reduces to 256.
14 November 2015: Latest update includes information on the Peterhead registered schooner, Flower of Buchan, which sank off Ackergill in 1881.
27 October 2015: The Lossiemouth seine-net fishing boat, Acorn, has now been added to the list of wrecks, bringing the total number up to 257.
28 September 2015: Following a recent dive, some more photos of the St. Nicholas (1) taken by local photographer Paul Steven, have been added.
10 September 2015: Latest update includes information on the Stornaway brig, Mary, which wrecked on Scrabster Sands in 1830.
8 September 2015: Latest update includes information on the Liverpool barque, Victoria (2), which stranded on the Pentland Skerries in 1849.
2 September 2015: Website updated with the story and photographs of the Swedish steamer, Stellatus, which sank off Freswick in 1959.
28 August 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking and subsequent re-build of the sailing ship, Lord Suffield in 1832.
27 August 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the Faroese schooner, Langanes, at Scrabster in 1941.
8 August 2015: Latest update includes information and photos of the wrecking of the Gunnaren, on Swona in 1935.
2 August 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the schooner, Rose, at Whaligoe in 1861.
1 August 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the schooner, Enigheden, in Wick Bay in 1870.
29 July 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecking of the schooner, Emmanuel, at Wick in 1865.
8 July 2015: Latest update includes information on the sinking of the schooner, Arnold, at Proudfoot in 1861.
26 June 2015: Six new wrecks added to the list with details on each to follow later. They are the Arnold, Dahinda, Emmanuel, Enigheden, Julie and Rose. This brings the total number of wrecks listed to 256.
20 June 2015: Updated with the story of the sinking of the Grimsby trawler, Sudero, at Sarclet in 1903 and her subsequent rediscovery by divers on 18 June 2015.
14 June 2015: Latest update includes information on the sinking of the barque, Larne in 1863, the brigantine, Scotia in 1866 and the schooner, Good Design in 1871.
29 May 2015: Latest update includes information on the London registered, Fingal, which wrecked in 1811 and the Flower of Olrig and James, which both wrecked at Murkle Bay in 1887.
21 May 2015: Latest update includes information on the Aberdeen brig, Favourite, which ran ashore at Duncansby Head in 1857.
10 May 2015: Information added on the sailing lugger, Three Bells and the Belgian trawler, De Haai. Also photos of some artefacts added on the pages for HMS Daring, the Isleford, Njord, Rein and the St. Nicholas.
5 May 2015: Information and photos from scrapping operations at Broadhaven Bay has now been added. So far, the names of only two vessels have been identified. The total number of wrecks therefore rises to 250.
2 May 2015: The Dovrefjell, Harlaw and Oljaren have been removed from the list of wrecks, as they were refloated before they sank. However, the wrecks of the De Haai and the Hans have been added as well as the 18 fishing boats lost off Wick, during the tragic storm of Black Saturday 1848. The total number of wrecks now comes to 248.
28 April 2015: Details added on the sinking of the Aberdeen trawler, Strathalford, which foundered in Wick Bay in 1940, with the loss of three of her crew.
24 April 2015: Details added on the wrecks of the Wick schooner Isabella(2), which disappeared in 1918 and for the French whaler, St. Martin, which wrecked at Huna in 1674.
23 April 2015: Details added on the wrecks of the Edina and the Thetis, which along with the Aesceili and Anna, sank within two days of each other on the island of Stroma in 1830.
14 March 2015: Details now added for the wrecks of the Diadem and Concordia. Information also included for the Eagle, Elfin, Matilda, Sisters, Sunderland and Dunrobin, which were all wrecked at Thurso during the same violent storm in 1862.
11 March 2015: Information added on the British Midget Submarine HMS X-22, which sank off Dunnet Head in 1944, following a collision.
6 March 2015: Information on the Girl Kathleen now added.
1 March 2015: Latest update includes details on the Maria and the Victoria(1).
24 February 2015: Latest update includes details on the Hermick, Isabella and the Njord.
23 February 2015: Latest update includes details on the Fridealk, Loyal Friend, Margaret Littlejohn, Northward and the Warrior.
21 February 2015: Details and photos of German submarine U-18, which was sunk of the Pentland Skerries in 1914.
17 February 2015: Details added for the Thunfisch, which sank off Duncansby Head in 1975.
15 February 2015: Latest update includes information on the Braes of Enzie, Gem, Henry and the Girl Betty.
13 February 2015: Latest update includes information on the wrecks of the sailing ships; St. Nicholas, Thomas Dougall, Familien and Sisters.
12 February 2015: Details and photos added of the Servus, which sank below Dunbeath Castle in 1959.
10 February 2015: Details added for the Rutlandshire, which sank off Stroma in 1936.
8 February 2015: Details of the steamship, Victoria, wrecked at Scarfskerry in 1891.
7 February 2015: Updated with details of the cargo ship, Carisbrook, sunk by U-38 in 1915.
6 February 2015: Details and photos added of the Danish steamship, Tekla, sunk off Wick in 1940 by U-22.
3 February 2015: Total number of wrecks now reaches 231, with the addition of the Stavanger registered steam trawler, Veronica.
31 January 2015: Information now added for the Magdalene Hughes, Minerva, Tilia and the Strathbran. Also information and photo added on the sinking of the Viking by U-19.
30 January 2015: Three new wrecks added to the list, bringing the total to 230. They are the Magdalene Hughes, the Minerva and the Three Bells. Information on these to follow in due course. In the meantime information now added on the sinking of the Stratheyre.
28 January 2015: Updated with details and photos of the Makalla, which was sunk along with the Llanishen, off Wick in 1940 by German Heinkel bombers.
26 January 2015: Updated with details and photos of the Rhone and the Sleipner, both of which were sunk on the same night by U-14.
24 January 2015: Updated with details and photos of the Wick Harbour Dredger, Badger.
23 January 2015: Updated with details of the Loch Esk, which sank off Dunnet Head in 1929.
22 January 2015: Updated with details and photos of HMS Sword Dance, sunk off Wick in 1942.
21 January 2015: Updated with details and picture of the Norwegian Steamer, Breid, sunk by UC-41 off Noss Head in 1917.
20 January 2015: Updated with details on the Gardar and the Lord Percy. The addition of the Lord Percy to the list brings the total number of wrecks up to 227.
17 January 2015: Updated with details and photo of the Navarre, wrecked at Skirza in 1939.
12 January 2015: Updated with details of the wrecking of the Violet on Keiss Beach.
10 January 2015: Updated with details of the wrecks of the Marz, Geysir and Merrivale.
7 January 2015: Details and photos of the recent sad loss of the Cemfjord added. The Art Young however has been removed from the list of wrecks, as although the vessel ran aground on Stroma, she was later refloated.
2 January 2015: Details and photos added of the tragic sinking of HMS Exmouth, sunk by German submarine U-22 in January 1940, with the loss of all her crew.
29 December 2014: Details added for the wrecking and subsequent salvage operations of the Pennsylvania, which sank off Swona in 1931.
27 December 2014: Details added for the wrecking of the Sunlight at Murkle in 1953.
23 December 2014: Details added on the wrecking of the St. Ronan on St. John's Point in 1952.
20 December 2014: Latest update includes the wrecks of the Camba, Harry and the Edward VII.
14 December 2014: Latest update includes the wrecks of the Cairndhuna, Morning Star and the Grey Abbey.
6 December 2014: Latest update includes the wrecks of the Harborough and Grayson.
26 November 2014: Information and photo added for the wreck of the Marstenen.
25 November 2014: Information added for the Corona, Express and Avra.
22 November 2014: The total number of wrecks increases to 226 with the addition of the Glen Loth. Information also added on the wrecks of the Shaw, Noreg and Lotos.
20 November 2014: Total number of wrecks increased to 225 with the addition of the Roskva. Information also added on the wrecks of the Hercules, Polarstjernen and the Marie Louise.
13 November 2014: Information added on the wrecks of the Stettin, Pera, Water Lily, Nore, Minna, Young Donald, Dauntless and Rathkenny.
12 November 2014: Additional 40 new wrecks added to the list, with details on each to follow. However the Benachie has been removed from the list as she was salvaged and taken to Wick by lorry, where she was repaired. The Benachie cannot therefore be considered a wreck. This brings the total number of wrecks to 224.
22 October 2014: Information on the Cudweed, Glen Urquhart and Guide Me now added.
20 October 2104: Three more wrecks added to the list, bringing the total to 185. They are the Cudweed, Glen Urquhart and Guide Me, for which information on each will appear in due course.
18 October 2014: Information and photos added for the Clan Mackinlay which was sunk by German aircraft in 1940 off Freswick.
4 October 2014: New wreck added, bringing the total listed to 182. The new wreck is the Ansgarius for which details of her wrecking are now included. Also included is information and photos of the fishing boat Scottish Maid which sank in 1981.
3 October 2014: Information and photos of the wreck of the Isleford in Wick Bay added.
20 September 2014: Information and photo of the Norwegian steamer Navarra added.
7 September 2014: Information and photos of the Ben Barvas, wrecked on Little Skerry in January 1964 now added.
2 September 2014: Information on the wreck of the Vicksburg added, including photos of the Muckle Skerry graveyard, where seven drowned sailors from her are buried.
20 August 2014: Detailed information added for the Kiruna and the Llanishen.
12 August 2014: Detailed information and photos added for the Gretafield.
11 August 2014: Information added for the wreck of the Braconbush.
7 July 2014: Detailed information added for the wrecks of the Speedwell and Star of Victory.
29 June 2014: Attempt made to locate and dive the remains of the Thyra near Duncansby Head, but so far nothing found, although divers kept company by pair of common dolphins above and below the water.
21 June 2014: Detailed information and photo added for the Sound Fisher.
14 June 2014: Detailed information added for the Petersburg and the Pitstruan.
9 June 2014: Detailed information added for the Mormond and the North Sea.
2 June 2014: Detailed information added for the Belfast registered Malin Head.
28 May 2014: Two more wrecks added to the list, bringing the total to 181. These are the Metha and Tilia. Details on both new wrecks to follow.
26 May 2014: Latest update includes information on another two warship losses. These being HMS Fiona and HMS Imogen.
24 May 2014: Latest update includes detailed information on two warships sunk by separate enemy action. They are HMS Beech sunk by a bomb dropped by an aircraft in Thurso Bay and HMS Daring sunk by U-23 commanded by the famous Otto Kretschmer, 40 miles East of Duncansby Head. Tragically many lives were lost in both incidents.
22 May 2014: On 21 September 1942 two vessels were lost together. They were the tug St. Olaves and the barge Gold Crown which she was towing. Detailed information for both vessels has now been added.
19 May 2014: Detailed information added for the Gertrud.
8 May 2014: Detailed information and underwater photos of the St. Nicholas (1) added. Also added some more underwater photos of the Dromara.
6 May 2014: Photograph of the Aase as she was in 1925 added.
In another exciting development top local underwater photographers Paul Steven and Simon Miller have given Hellsmouth permission to use their stunning photos on our website, so expect their photos to start appearing soon. Simon specialises in macro photography (small marine life) so you will be able to see for yourself some of the marine life that inhabit some of the wrecks listed.
5 May 2014: More underwater photographs of the cargo from the wreck of the Aase added.
4 May 2014: Great news!! - after a break of around 30 years the wreck of the steamship Aase was relocated and dived today by a team from Caithness Diving Club consisting of Dave Steele, Simon Miller and David Carter. The first ever underwater photographs of the wreck as it is now have been added to our website. Not much of the wreck of the ship itself located but lots of her cargo of railway carriages was found.
30 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Empire Parsons, Ems and George Smith.
29 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Cotherstone, Drangajokull (including photos) and the Eamont.
26 April 2014: Detailed information added regarding our signature wreck the Jean Stephen, which lies aground on the beautiful Reiss Beach.
24 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Copeland and Corinthia. The story of the Copeland being particularly interesting as the writer H Rider Haggard, who wrote King Solomon's Mines, was on board at the time.
22 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Champion and the Christiansborg.
20 April 2014: New section featuring Ship Photographs added. This section aims to show what the wrecks featured look like before they sank.
Detailed information and photos added for the Dromara.
18 April 2014: Some information and underwater photos of the German Destroyer V-81 added.
17 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Bydand and some photos added for the Andrias.
15 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Carency.
14 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Rein along with a selection of underwater photos taken on 13 April 2014, the 77th anniversary of her sinking.
12 April 2014: Great news! One of Caithness's top underwater photographers, Dave Steele, has given us access to his photos. A selection of these will be appearing in due course, starting with the addition of some to the Linkmoor gallery.
Further update to the information on the Andrias.
10 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Euclase, Jura, Koorah and Salvage King. Two new photos of the stranded Linkmoor also added.
9 April 2014: Detailed information added for the Andrias, Ann, Anna and Azalee.
8 April 2014: Hellsmouth website goes live. Includes list of 179 shipwrecks. Detailed information for the Aase, Aesceili and Anna, Ahti, Ardmore, Arradoul, Aurelia, Avenel, Ben Meidie, Ben Rinnes, Berriedale, Bothal and Linkmoor added. Information on all other wrecks listed to follow in due course, so check back regularly for latest updates.