The steel steam trawler Strathgarry was launched from the Footdee yard of Hall, Russell and Co Ltd, Aberdeen (Yard No 411) on 4th September 1906. She measured 113.0′ x 21,9′ x 11.7′ and her tonnage was 202 gross tons, 60 net tons. She was powered by a triple expansion steam engine by Hall Russell delivering 67 registered horse power. Ordered by the Aberdeen Steam Trawling and Fishing Co Ltd she was registered in Aberdeen A97. Her official number was 123363.
Strathgarry deck plan
Lloyd’s register 1915
At the beginning of 1915 she was requisitioned by the Admiralty and installed as a boom defence vessel (Admiralty No 5) based in Scapa Flow. On 6th July 1915 the 2nd Battle Squadron was returning to Scapa Flow after an uneventful patrol. The exact details of the incident are not recorded but, as HMS Monarch entered the Flow through the Boom in Hoxa Sound, she was in collision with Strathgarry, and the trawler sank quickly. It appears that the crew were not injured although there are reports that perhaps one of the crew was lost in the incident.
HMS Monarch
The wreck of Strathgarry lies in position 58° 49.692’N, 03° 03.028’W in the middle of Hoxa Sound. She lies in 55 metres with a least depth of 49 metres oriented 100/280 degrees. She is reported to lie upright and, although broken in places, is still fairly in tact.
We’d also like to thank Naomi Watson for her permission to use her underwater photographs of the wreck in this article.
