SMS MARKGRAF – SHIP DETAILS | |
Type | Steel, Konig class dreadnought battleship |
Shipyard | A G Weser Shipyard, Bremen |
Launched | 04.06.1914 |
Dimensions (LOA) | 575.8’x96.8’x27.3’ (IMP) 175.5×29.5×8.3 metres |
Tonnage | 25,930dt |
Engines | 3 x 45,750 shp steam turbines |
Armament | 10 x 30.5cm quick firing L/50 guns, 14 x 15 cm guns, 4 x 8,8 cm anti-aircraft guns, 2 x machine guns, 5 x 50 cm submerged torpedo tubes |
SMS MARKGRAF – WRECK DETAILS | |
Position | 58° 53.474’N, 003° 10.004’W |
Seabed depth | 44 metres |
Least depth on wreck | 24 metres |
Orientation | 080°/ 260° |
Lying | Lies inverted with slight list to port and bow pointing west |
Description | The Markgraf has undergone the least amount of salvage activity of the three battleships leaving it the most intact and perhaps most interesting of the wrecks for divers. The wreck lies inverted and listing slightly to port so that all its casemate guns on the port side are below the seabed. Most of her five main turrets are also buried, although it is reported that it is possible to see parts of turrets A&B. This apparently involves venturing into confined space below the wreck which we would not recommend unless you are familiar with the location and adequately trained and equipped. The salvors over the years have removed the forward torpedo tube, forward and aft armoured bulkheads, propellers and part of the shafts, the main armour belting and have carried out some work within the engine rooms. This work has left it’s scars and no doubt contributed to the deterioration of the wreck.
The bow section has dropped as a result of works to remove the forward bulkhead. The stem still sits slightly off the vertical and rises around 7-8 metres. On top of the bow is the damage from the removal of the bow torpedo tube. The hull/keel behind is essentially intact until you reach the extensive damage where the forward bulkhead was removed. Just behind and above this large rent in the hull one of her anchor chains is wrapped around her hull. At this point descend to her starboard side as the hull on top, moving aft, has little of interest to see until the salvage opening to the engine room area. The central section of the wreck on the starboard side provides the area of most interest for the diver and extends from 26 metres to the seabed. As with the other battleships to the untrained eye this is a jumble of metal although there are many openings and doorways so be careful. The main items of interest are the control tower, fore mast and spotting top which lie on the seabed perpendicular to the side of the ship. Next are the 5.9 inch casemate guns almost at seabed level. Most are clearly visible or part covered with debris. Remains of the aft mast are on the seabed where you can start to ascend the starboard side to the top of the wreck where the large torn opening into the engine room can be found. As the other battleships this area was of major interest to the salvors. Move aft from here descending slightly along the centre line of the hull you will see the stubs of the three propshafts and some of their bracing and behind this the twin rudders which stand 3-3.5 metres high. A great place for a photograph if visibility allows. From here it is not far to the rounded stern which seems small for such a large ship. If you have time, return to the starboard side and follow the stern around at seabed level and you should find a few of the remaining portholes into the officer’s accommodation. The Markgraf still retains its size and mass and while it is showing signs of its 100+ years underwater and of course salvage, it is still a world class dive. As with the other wrecks it will take 2-3 dives to get a clearer understanding of the layout. Recent multibeam sonar surveys provide 3D visual models of these wrecks, and we recommend viewing them online prior your dive expedition. |