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A diving expedition is currently underway to investigate the identity of a century-old shipwreck located in Langstone Harbour, Portsmouth. The underwater archaeology project is spearheaded by Riley Conway, a member of the Nautical Archaeology Society’s Sub-Aqua Club, who is dedicated to uncovering the mystery surrounding the sunken vessel.
The shipwreck is widely believed to be the dredging vessel Withern, which reportedly sank in 1926. However, its precise identity remains unconfirmed. Conway emphasized the significance of the endeavor, stating, “This project is about more than just a wreck. It’s about uncovering a piece of Portsmouth’s history that’s been lost for 100 years and sharing it with the community.”
Adding to the uncertainty is the presence of another dredger, the Witham, which had sunk under similar conditions nearby in 1912. Both ships were moored in the harbour when they were lost, complicating efforts to definitively identify the wreck. Investigations at the site have involved scuba divers, who carried out explorations recently and are scheduled to return for further dives in the coming months.
The project is part of a broader initiative to celebrate Portsmouth’s heritage as the city marks its centenary. Employing advanced sonar imaging and modern survey methods, the team hopes to answer lingering questions about the vessel’s age, its captain, and the circumstances of its sinking. According to the sub-aqua club, “Historical accounts suggest the vessel sank overnight without crew, leaving behind unanswered questions about how and why it went down,” highlighting the enigmatic nature of the wreck that continues to captivate researchers
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