Iolanthe
Type of vessel - British Steam ship
How sunk – Torpedoed
Former names – None
Wreck height - 4m
The British cargo ship ‘Iolanthe’ was travelling from Glasgow for St Helens Roads with a cargo of hay and railway trucks. She was stuck by an unseen torpedo fired by UC-76. No one was hurt in the explosion. The ship appeared to be not too badly damaged, so she headed for Portland for repairs, but she started to settle low in the water and was abandoned. Attempts to tow her by the Fort Albert were in vain as she sank before any progress was made.
The wreck now lies well broken with her stern well buried, but her bow stands clear, as do her boilers. Her cargo of railway trucks can be easily observed and does make for an enjoyable dive.