County: Down Site name: THE NIMBLE, Ballyhenry Bay, Strangford Lough
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: —
Author: Colin Breen, IUART
Site type: Wreck: Schooner
Period/Dating: Modern (AD 1750-AD 2000)
ITM: E 757917m, N 851800m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 54.390296, -5.568363
The Nimble was a schooner sailing out of Penzance. On 9 February 1850 the vessel caught fire, while on passage to Glasgow, and sank in Ballyhenry Bay in Strangford Lough, Co. Down. She had been engaged in the coastal trade around the Irish Sea and was carrying a general cargo. The wreck was discovered by divers in the 1970s and has developed into Northern Ireland's most popular dive site. Its popularity has also greatly aided in its rapid destruction as the vessel is systematically stripped.
In recognition of this destruction, IUART undertook a survey field school on the site as part of its ongoing training and education scheme for sports divers. A detailed plan of the site was produced, supported by a photographic and ROV survey. Only the lowermost part of the hull survives. The vessel lies on a gradual slope in 14m of water. A considerable portion of the stern-post is visible and the keelson can be traced for over 30m from this post. A good section of framing is visible on the starboard side of the wreck. The outer planking on the wreck is copper-sheathed.
The survey of the site is a good example of what can be achieved underwater in a very short space of time.
c/o Institute of Irish Studies, Queen's University Belfast
