The wood and steel steam seine netter Maritana was launched from the Greenock yard of George Brown (Yard No 43) on 22nd May 1907. She measured 86.0′ x 18.1′ x 8.4′ and her tonnage was 97 gross tons, 36 net tons. She was powered by a triple expansion steam engine delivering 35 horse power. She was first owned by Mr J Murray who operated his fishing business out of Banff and she was registered as BF715. During the First World War she was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and operated as a minesweeper before being returned to her owner in 1919. She was purchased by My W Murray of Portgordon in 1922 and registered as BCK408. Later her fishing number was changed to BCK715.
On Saturday 19th March 1927 Maritana was fishing off the south east coast of Scotland when she was enveloped in thick fog and her skipper decided to head for Eyemouth to wait for clearer weather before continuing his fishing. By 3pm the visibility had deteriorated badly and, as he tried to enter the harbour, the vessel ran aground on Buss Craig, a rocky outcrop on the south side of the harbour entrance, and stuck fast.
Maritana aground on Buss Craig
During the day multiple attempts were made to pull her off but to no avail. Arrangements were made for the Leith Salvage Company to handle the task of refloating her but they too struggled to get her off. Then, on 2nd April, the Maritana slipped off her precarious position on the rock and sank in deep water.
The wreckage of the Maritana lies in position 55° 52.722’N, 002° 05.196’W in 14 metres. The wreck is well broken and spread across a 20 x 20 metre area with the large boiler and the propeller the most distinguishable item among the scattered plates and debris.
