The iron steamship Delta was launched from the Kirkintilloch yard of J and J Hay in December 1881. She measured 65.6′ x 17.5′ x 7.5′ and her tonnage was 68 gross tons, 32 net tons. She was powered by a 2 cylinder compound steam engine by Glen and Ross, Glasgow delivering 25 nominal horse power. The vessel was built by J and J Hay for their own shipping business and registered in Glasgow. She was a typical example of this small reliable workboat which, like dozens of other similar craft plied the waters of the Clyde estuary carrying cargoes to the ports around its shores. They were sized to navigate the narrow canals of the Forth and Clyde and Crinan.
Delta awaiting launch at J and J Hay shipyard
The Delta was lost off Ru Stafnish, Kintyre on 27th March, 1895 while on a voyage from Glenarm to the Forth and Clyde canal with a cargo of limestone. She sprang a leak in moderate easterly winds and sank in five minutes. Fortunately the crew of four managed to escape in the ship’s boat and reached land safely.
The wreck of the Delta lies 2 miles ESE of Ru Stafnish and sits upright in 38 metres in position 55° 21.716’N, 005° 28.333’W. The vessel has fallen to pieces although the stern section remains partially intact. She lies facing west on a level shingle seabed and rises no more than 1.5 metres at her vertical boiler. At the stern her rudder, propeller and engine can still be seen inhabited by shoals of pollock and bib whiting. The bow area has less wreckage and is characterised by the prominent pile of her limestone cargo and the remains of the bow and forward winch.
Visibility on the wreck is variable due to the muddy seabed but in good conditions makes a pleasant dive with no tidal problems which is unusual for wrecks in the area. However the site is well offshore and exposed so good boat cover and use of delayed surface marker buoys is essential.
Bell recovered from the wreck
