Derna

Type of vessel - Italian Steam ship

How sunk – Collision with HMS Centurion

Former names – Girgenti ex Danby

Wreck height - 5m

The steam ship ‘Derna’ was travelling to Memel to Port Talbot in ballast when she was struck by the 600’ long, 23,000 ton battle ship ‘HMS Centurion’. The ‘HMS Centurion’ was travelling at 19 knots while on moderate speed trials. The collision was that hard that some wreckage of the ‘Derna’ washed up near St Catherine’s Point. This wreckage comprised of part of the ships bridge, with a wheel bearing the name ‘Derna’, the ships compass, bell and bridge rails. All 36 crew of the ‘Derna’ were lost.