The steel dumb dredger Subworker was launched from the Rotterdam yard of Wilton’s Engineering and Slipway Company in 1910. She measured 141.0′ x 28.0′ x 10.4′ and her tonnage was 338 gross tons. She was owned by Mr C H Campbell of London and was employed in dredging operations at harbours all round Britain.
Subworker under way
In March 1914 the London tug Vanquisher left the Clyde with Subworker in tow for the long trip to Aberdeen where Subworker was to take on her next dredging task at Torry Dock. Aboard Subworker her six crewmen made preparations for the long difficult tow north along the west coast of Scotland. After they passed through the Minch the two vessels then turned east past Cape Wrath and on through the treacherous tidal flows of the Pentland Firth. The voyage went well despite some difficult weather and sea conditions. By the 26th March, as she was nearing her destination reaching a point seven miles north east of Kinnaird Head, the weather deteriorated with a huge swell running. As the tow ropes came under increasing strain threatening to snap at anytime it became clear that the Subworker was in trouble. The six crewmen were taken off by Vanquisher only minutes before the Subworker sank.
‘Dredger for the Clyde Navigation Trustees’, 1871.
The wreck of Subworker lies in position 57 46.040 N, 001 24.770 W oriented 045/225 degrees. She lies in 84 metres with a least depth clearance of 77 metres. The chain of dredge buckets is clearly visible.
