Maritime record 2189 - POLITICIAN (STERN SECTION): CALVAY ROCK, ERISKAY, SEA OF THE HEBRIDES

NF81SW 8001 8081 1346
N 57 6.075 W 7 16.3333

Quality of fix = PHOT
Horizontal Datum = OGB
General water depth = 5

Circumstances of Loss Details
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The POLITICAN ran aground on rocks in fog and heavy weather while on passage from Liverpool to New Orleans. This loss was the inspiration for the novel "Whisky Galore" by Compton Mackenzie.

Surveying Details
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The vessel was stranded at 57 04 00N, 007 16 30W, approximately.

19 August 1975. The vessel lies at 57 06 07N, 007 16 28W. Only number 5 hold and part of the propellor shaft remains. Dozens of broken whisky bottles are scattered amongst heavy kelp which obscures the wreckage. Report by letter from D. Sloan, 31 July 1975.

8 January 1976. The stern section was located in the Sound of Eriskay at 069 deg (true), 648 metres from Calvay Rock. Horizontal sextant angles - summit of Ben Scrien on Eriskay 46,00 summit of Calvay 55.00 sextremity of Rudha Dubh on South Uist. The least depth over the wreck at chart datum was 1 metre. The wreck lies on an orientation of 045/225 degrees and covers an area 72 x 20 metres. The engine room fittings and a propeller were located. There is evidence of clearance using explosive demolition, and little remains of the wreck above the keel other than the propeller shaft and other robust sections. The wreck was examined on 29 August 1975. Fuel oil is reported still held within the lower part of the wreck and local fishermen are anxious that further disturbance should not take place.
Report by ASADA exercise "wreck hunter" expedition.

Originally the vessel went aground at 57 04 00N, 007 16 30W. The stern section was towed some years ago to a sheltered position near Calvay Rock and systematically and illegally salvaged of all non-ferrous metals. Apparently about 1000 tons of wreckage remains covered in kelp.
Report by J. Moor.

July 1984. The wreck is virtually totally covered with sand. Only a small amount of the remaining superstructure protrudes above the seabed, in general depth of 5 metres. Report by Lt M. J. Law, REME.

22 January 1987. The position is taken from aerial photography - 57 06 04.5N, 007 16 20W.

20 March 1989. A salvage operation is planned for early summer by Mr Donald Macphee to recover the 2 to 7 thousand cases of whisky and Jamaican bank notes that are still in the wreck. The mast tops of the vessel are 9.1 metres below the surface, with a further 15.2 metres between the upper deck and keel.
Source; Daily Telegraph, 20 March 1989.

Note; this does fit well with previous descriptions received.

31 January 1990. In further reference to proposed salvage attempt to be attempted in the Spring of 1990.
Source; the Guardian, 13 December 1989.

4 April 1990. Salvage of the cargo is scheduled to commence in June. Source; the Times, 20 March 1990.

10 August 1994. The site was located by diver. It is well broken and stands 1-2 metres above the seabed. The site is well covered in kelp. Report by J. Leigh.

Hydrographic Office, 1995.