TSMV Shanklin

TSMV "Shanklin" was a passenger ferry that operated between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight between 1951 and 1980. Renamed the "Prince Ivanhoe" she went on to become a pleasure cruiser in the Bristol Channel but in 1981 sank off the Welsh coast on her first season.

Background and construction

Following the Second World War Southern Railway, who provided passenger and vehicle ferry services to the Isle of Wight, decided to replace the existing coal burning paddle steamers that operated on the Portsmouth to Ryde route with modern twin screw diesel powered vessels (TSMV).

Initial plans, incorrectly based a predicted downward trend in passenger numbers, were to order the construction of two such vessels. These were to be the identical ships TSMV "Southsea" and TSMV "Brading" built by William Denny and Brothers in Dumbarton on Clydeside. They were launched in 1948 and went into service with the now nationalised British Railways.

Increasing numbers of passengers figures quickly lead to the order for a third similar ship. TSMV "Shanklin" designed to replace the paddle steamer PS "Shanklin". Again built by William Denny and Brothers "Shanklin" was launched on 22nd February 1951. The ceremony was performed by Mrs V. M Barrington-Ward whose husband was a member of the British Railways executive.

As a result of experience gained from building and operating the Brading and Southsea "Shanklin" was designed slightly differently from her sisters. She had a taller funnel, raised lifeboats and increased passenger deck space.

Ferry service

"Shanklin" went into service with British Railways on 18th June 1951. At this time there were three main activities for the passenger ferry fleet

*The regular ferry route from Portsmouth to Ryde Pier head
*The summer only ferry route from Southsea (South parade pier) to Ryde pier head (summer only)
*Summer only Solent cruises and excursions.

In addition to Shanklin the five other vessels undertaking these tasks at this time were:

*TSMV "Southsea"
*TSMV "Brading"
*PS "Whippingham"
*PS "Sandown"
*PS "Ryde"

The withdrawal of the paddle steamers in 1970 resulted in the two ferry routes being combined as a three stage Portsmouth to Southsea (Clarence Pier) to Ryde route.

"Shanklin" underwent a major refit over the winter of 1966/67. This resulted in an extended bridge deck and modernised lounge and saloon. "Shanklin"’s career was punctuated by a number of accidents. She collided with Ryde Pier on three occasions - on Saturday 5th June 1954, 9th March 1973, and 12th June 1979. The 1973 accident was the most serious. At 12:35 in the morning, in heavy fog, she struck the pier's roadway destroying 40 feet of its length. A taxi being driven up the pier fell into the gap and sank. Fortunately the driver escaped.

In 1978 it was decided that only two vessels were needed on regular services. As "Shanklin" was by then regularly suffering engine problems it was decided to place her in a reserve role. She was finally withdrawn on 7th March 1980 and put up for sale.

Prince Ivanhoe

In October 1980 "Shanklin" was bought by a company who already ran the PS "Waverley" on coastal excursions. She became the property of the Firth of Clyde Steam Packet Company Limited and was renamed "Prince Ivanhoe".

After renovations on Clydeside over the winter of 1980/81 she began public and private pleasure sailings in the Bristol Channel starting in May 1981.

inking

On 3rd August 1981 the "Prince Ivanhoe" began a pleasure trip starting at Penarth with stops at Minehead and Mumbles and then a cruise along the Gower coast. By the time she left Mumbles she had 450 passengers on board.

She navigated close to the shore around Oxwich Point into Port Eynon Bay at 15:35. Whilst emerging from this bay she hit a submerged object, probably rocks or a wreck, tearing a 60 foot gash in her hull. Realising that she was sinking her captain, David Neill, sailed her about one mile to Horton, Swansea where she was beached.

An RAF air-sea rescue helicopter and RNLI life boats from Horton, Port Eynon and Mumbles went to her assistance and all of the passengers were saved, mainly by being ferried to the shore in life boats.

The wrecked ship then remained where it had come to rest. There were several salvage attempts, which had varying degrees of success, and the hull was finally removed in July and August of 1984.

References

cite book
last = Brown
first = Alan
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = Shanklin Ill Fated Prince
publisher = Waverly Excursions Ltd
date = 1985
location = Troon
pages =
url =
doi =
id =
isbn = 0 9505177 1 2