WRECKED

James Hickman pinpoints the main areas of interest on his tour of SS Nidelven

Rudder post

Spare propeller

Bulkhead

Boiler

Bib exploring an exposed engine piston

Spare propeller with collapsed deck on top

Forward winch

In front of this , you can see the iron propeller standing defiantly upright at around 42m , although it is now covered in debris from the collapsed quarterdeck , which , as it has collapsed , has slid forwards . The spare iron propeller lies just in front of this area . Swimming towards the bow , the next section of the ship is the rear hold , at the front of which is a large deck winch before a bulkhead . You can zig-zag your way across this section , as it is worth poking your torch among the huge sections of broken plating to look for critters .

In this section of the wreck , you can start to see the ship ’ s list to starboard with the gunnels trying to kiss the seabed . Collapsed plates and bits of steelwork lie all around so be mindful of any sharp edges which can snag equipment . It is best to stay inside the wreck , especially if there is any tide running . However , what is left of the sides of the vessel provide excellent protection if there is any current . Most of the side panels have fallen away , but the odd girder reaches for the surface ; they make for a pretty sight , being covered in dead men ’ s fingers .

As with much of the makeup of this wreck , the best way to describe it is

Anchor

Collapsed deck

Iron propeller

Rudder ( to port )

Rear hold

Rear winch

Forward

Three-cylinder hold triple- expansion steam engine

Bow twisted to port

Exploring SS Nidelven

32

Starboard side looking towards the stern