| Summary : Remains of early 20th century wreck, possibly that of the British cargo vessel HALCYON, which foundered in 1916 after being mined about 3.5 miles SSW of Folkestone; or that of the HELENE, which foundered in 1907 en route from Valencia to Antwerp with citrus fruit. Opinion has varied widely as to the identity of this wreck, which has also been known as the BRANDY BOAT, consistent with the known voyage of the HALCYON, or the ORANGEMAN, consistent with the cargo of the HELENE. However, this wreck is also described as containing train bogie wheels, indicating that it may be a different vessel entirely. The remains of the vessel could be either the HALCYON or the HELENE, since they represent a steel-built steamer. |
More information : Vertical Datum: LAT (1)
The position of this wreck is 51 05.38N, 01 16.01E. The wreck lies on her port side and her bow points north west. There is a cavern underneath her because her bow lies on a bank. Her hull is collapsing. Her superstructure is on the seabed beside her. She has an iron propeller and her masts stick out sideways. Her hold has train bogie wheels inside, as well as 15 feet of silt. The forward hold contains packing cases and bottles. In the galley lies crockery with a Rotterdam stamp. (2)
The identity of this wreck is unclear. The Admiralty states that she is probably the HALCYON. The wreck is also called the ORANGEMAN because oranges from her were sold to help the survivors. Divers found a bell inscribed HELENE, which presents another possibility as to her identity. She lies close to another wreck at 51 05.36N, 01 16.17E. Could this wreck be the HALCYON or the HELENE? The wreck in this position is also called the BRANDY BOAT. (2)
27-APR-1976 Uncharted wreck, stands 30ft. (1)
10-NOV-1977 in 51 05 38N, 001 16 01E In a general depth 21m. Not fully surveyed. Lies 404/220degs. Chart as wreck 14m. (1)
09-JUN-1978: Known locally as the "ORANGEMAN" but bell inscribed HELENE has been recovered. Also crockery with Rotterdam stamp. Lies NW/SE, with bow NW, on starboard side. Generally in good condition. Steel propeller. Dimensions about 300 x 40 x 25ft. Bridge structure intact, masts lie on seabed. 10ft scour alongside and deep cavern under bow. (1)
16-AUG-1982: lies on port side in badly decayed state with much of hull collapsing. Height from seabed approximately 6m. Confirmed as HELENE. (1)
18-JUL-1987. Wreck dived on, lies on port side across tide with stern to shore and bows lying on a bank. Steel propeller. After hold silted 10 to 15ft. Two forward holds - both silted with side collapsed inward, remains of packing cases in silt. No.1 Hold has broken bottles and packing cases. (1)
06-JUL-1989: Wreck charted about 0.5 miles off Lydden Spout and known locally as the "BRANDY WRECK" is almost certainly the HALCYON. (1)
A porthole has been retrieved from the HALCYON known locally as the "BRANDY BOAT", position 51 05.36N 001 16.17E. (Droit A/477) (3)
Two glass chimneys for oil lamps, and a silver dinner fork, recovered from the wreck of the HELENE or HALAYAN in 51 05 35N, 01 16 00E. (Droit 293/02) (5)
A gold wedding ring marked 'A Schlanert 4.4.1904' recovered from the wreck of the HALCYON in 51 05 38N, 01 16 01E. (Droit 139/03) (6)
An ornate brass stair-tread recovered from the wreck of the HALCYON in 51 05 38N, 01 16 01E. (Droit 162/03) (6)
A brass porthole window, with a diameter of 24cm, recovered from the wreck of the HELENE/HALCYON. (Droit 167/03) (6)
Two glass oil lamp chimneys, a brass gimble bracket for lamp; and a brass oil lamp and burner, in very poor condition, recovered from the stern store-room of the HALCYON, located inshore between Folkestone and Dover. (Droit 026/04) (4)
An engine room telegraph, 16.5 inches in diameter, with a brass bezel, the remainder of the casing appearing to be iron or steel, recovered from the HALCYON/HELENE site in position 51 05.35N 001 16.00E. (Droit 156/04) (4)
NB: The sobriquet ORANGEMAN is consistent with the vessel HELENE which was lost a mile west of the Admiralty Pier, Dover, en route from Valencia to Antwerp with citrus fruit. However, the sobriquet BRANDY BOAT is consistent with the HALCYON, which was lost en route from Bordeaux to London with general cargo - Bordeaux being a centre for the export of brandy, and perhaps consistent with the broken bottles found in this wreck.
However, the first description in (2) may indicate a completely different vessel since the cargo is declared as train bogie wheels. |