BAYCHATTAN

The SS Baychattan began her life in 1906 as the Kilchattan, built in the famous shipyards of Glasgow. She was later acquired by The Bay Steamship Co. Ltd., joining their fleet of cargo vessels. During World War I, she was engaged in long-haul transport, bringing essential goods from across the British Empire to the home islands. In the autumn of 1917, she was on the final leg of a long voyage from Karachi, carrying a general cargo destined for London.

On October 11th, 1917, as she navigated the English Channel south of the Eddystone Lighthouse, she was spotted by the German submarine UB-40. Without warning, a torpedo struck the vessel, sealing her fate. The Baychattan sank beneath the waves, another victim of Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare campaign which aimed to starve Britain into submission.

Today, the Baychattan is a deep technical dive, lying upright on the seabed at 53 meters. Her significant depth has helped preserve her, and while the wooden superstructure has long since rotted away, her hull remains impressively intact. The most prominent features for divers are the massive triple-expansion engine and two large boilers, which stand proud amidships. The wreck is often subject to strong currents, but this can result in excellent visibility, offering a spectacular view of this historic vessel and the deep-water marine life that now calls her home.