The MV Hero was a rear engined coaster built by J Pattie of Westerbroek in the Netherlands (Yard No16) and launched in 1931. Her steel hull measured 105.9’ x 20.3’ x 7.0’ with gross tonnage of 168t. She was powered by a 4 cylinder oil engine with single propellor. The vessel went through a succession of owners and name changes of Titia in 1933, Klazina in 1935, before being bought by a Belgian owner with a final change to Pallieter.
MV Klazina
Due to wartime reporting restrictions, few details are available regarding the loss of the Pallieter, west of Ailsa Craig on 1 February 1941. She was en route from Dublin to Ardrossan with a cargo of scrap metal under the command of her skipper L. Ghys when she was caught in a storm. The rising seas caused her cargo to shift and the increasing list eventually caused her to roll over and founder. All the crew managed to escape to safety in the ship’s lifeboat and were eventually picked up.
The Wreck Today
The wreck of the Pallieter lies 5 miles west of Ailsa Craig in position 55°14.844’N, 05° 15.205’W. The wreck is substantially intact, lying 170/350 degrees with bow facing north west. Seabed depths around the wreck are 50-51 metres. The vessel must have impacted heavily in the seabed as the top of the focsle is almost level with the surrounding seabed.
Moving aft from the bow the main hold is full and covered with louvred metal grating, all that can be seen between the slats is mud. As you move towards the stern, the wreck starts to rise from the seabed and is around 2 metres above the seabed at the front of the wheelhouse. All the main accommodation and engine room are in the stern section, and by the time you reach the steering quadrant above the rudder stock the deck is around 5-6 metres above seabed. We suggest diving this wreck on slack water, especially on spring tides.
