The marine records of the Archives of Bhubaneswar, Calcutta (Kolkata), Madras (Chennai) and New Delhi provide information on shipwrecks off Odisha coast. For instance, the British ship Fattee Salem bound to Meruee is reported to have sunk near Ganjam in a violent wind in 1761. All members on board were saved, however, no cargo and guns could be saved or salvaged. HMS Carron was wrecked 4 miles north of Black Pagoda, Konark in July 1820. After the wreck, the ship broke into pieces and cargo could not be saved. The Brig Admiral Drury or Drusy was wrecked off Harishpur, Odisha in July 1821 and missionary books, one box containing silk made up of skins including other cargo were saved.
The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register (1821) mentioned that HMS Carron had been sailing southwards from the Sandheads to Madras and grounded on 6 July 1820 six miles north of the Black Pagoda (Konark). Despite all efforts, HMS Carron quickly took on water, lost her boats and broke apart. In the morning, the survivors found that HMS Carron was only a quarter of a mile offshore. The master and 19 crewmen drowned and artillery of the lieutenant was lost. The court-martial board blamed the loss HMS Carron because of the unexpected strong current and inclement weather.
It appears that inclement weather and strong currents might have pushed the ship towards shore and the captain might have lowered the anchor, but the ship drifted to the coast then grounded.Taking into account on the information of the shipwreck, a preliminary exploration was carried out about 6 km away on the northern side of Konark coast, and a shipwreck was found in 6 to 8 m water depth. The seabed is sandy; the shipwreck remains covered with suspended material, fishing nets and rope and overgrown with mussels, seaweeds, etc. As the shipwreck is lying in the high energy zone, so the exploration is frequently hampered because of visibility.
During preliminary exploration of the shipwreck off Konark coast boilers, winch, anchor chain and other remains were noticed, but these findings could not be studied thoroughly and documented to the possible extent owing to poor visibility. Further, exploration large bronze seawater injection valve from the main boiler feed was recovered along with a Screw Lift Valve, with U-shaped collar. It may have been from a Boiler Feed Valve which would have sealed off the steam inlet pipe. The tension on the spring could be adjusted by a screw mechanism which could be wound up or down as required; there should be a threaded part in the opening for the adjuster. The hook-like a piece is a bronze bearing shell most probably from the eccentric shaft, a bit which is attached. Considering the condition of the iron bolts and piece of the eccentric shaft, it appears that it could be a triple expansion engine possibly datable to the 1880s.
The findings undoubtedly suggest that the remains belong to a steam engine shipwreck. Conversely, the âShips of the Royal Navyâ, and the marine records refer that HMS Carron was sailing ship. But the location of HMS Carron and the finding of steam engine shipwreck is in the same zone. The findings of steam engine shipwreck cannot be correlated with HMS Carron. During exploration remains of HMS Carron could not found, the remains might be laying in the nearby area. However, a proper exploration of these shipwrecks is essential to know their names and that would help to draw the conclusion where exactly HMS Carron is wrecked and her present status.
The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register (1821) mentioned that HMS Carron had been sailing southwards from the Sandheads to Madras and grounded on 6 July 1820 six miles north of the Black Pagoda (Konark). Despite all efforts, HMS Carron quickly took on water, lost her boats and broke apart. In the morning, the survivors found that HMS Carron was only a quarter of a mile offshore. The master and 19 crewmen drowned and artillery of the lieutenant was lost. The court-martial board blamed the loss HMS Carron because of the unexpected strong current and inclement weather.
It appears that inclement weather and strong currents might have pushed the ship towards shore and the captain might have lowered the anchor, but the ship drifted to the coast then grounded.Taking into account on the information of the shipwreck, a preliminary exploration was carried out about 6 km away on the northern side of Konark coast, and a shipwreck was found in 6 to 8 m water depth. The seabed is sandy; the shipwreck remains covered with suspended material, fishing nets and rope and overgrown with mussels, seaweeds, etc. As the shipwreck is lying in the high energy zone, so the exploration is frequently hampered because of visibility.
During preliminary exploration of the shipwreck off Konark coast boilers, winch, anchor chain and other remains were noticed, but these findings could not be studied thoroughly and documented to the possible extent owing to poor visibility. Further, exploration large bronze seawater injection valve from the main boiler feed was recovered along with a Screw Lift Valve, with U-shaped collar. It may have been from a Boiler Feed Valve which would have sealed off the steam inlet pipe. The tension on the spring could be adjusted by a screw mechanism which could be wound up or down as required; there should be a threaded part in the opening for the adjuster. The hook-like a piece is a bronze bearing shell most probably from the eccentric shaft, a bit which is attached. Considering the condition of the iron bolts and piece of the eccentric shaft, it appears that it could be a triple expansion engine possibly datable to the 1880s.
The findings undoubtedly suggest that the remains belong to a steam engine shipwreck. Conversely, the âShips of the Royal Navyâ, and the marine records refer that HMS Carron was sailing ship. But the location of HMS Carron and the finding of steam engine shipwreck is in the same zone. The findings of steam engine shipwreck cannot be correlated with HMS Carron. During exploration remains of HMS Carron could not found, the remains might be laying in the nearby area. However, a proper exploration of these shipwrecks is essential to know their names and that would help to draw the conclusion where exactly HMS Carron is wrecked and her present status.