HMS Port Napier

The minelayer, HMS Port Napier, was one of a fleet intended to prevent U-boats and large surface vessels such as the Bismarck from passing between Shetland and Iceland during World War II.

In November 1940, she had been loaded with 550 mines and 6,000 rounds of ammunition but was still berthed at Kyle when a fire broke out on board that could not be extinguished.

She was towed out towards Kyleakin while emergency plans were made to evacuate that village. But, with the fire raging out of control, and the smoke and heat too much for those on board, she had to be abandoned en route.

She had not drifted far when a huge explosion blasted large sections of the ship towards Skye causing the vessel to sink where she now lies. But though the engine room exploded, the mines themselves had not blown. In 1952 they were removed by the Navy in an extensive salvage operation.

After more than half a century beneath the waves HMS Port Napier has become an artificial reef and home to a wide variety of marine life. This fact, combined with her history and the shallowness and clarity of the water has led her to be regarded as one of Scotland's greatest wrecks. We hope you agree.