Been at the seafront in really rough weather? Then you’ll understand how boats could easily run ashore. There’s been a surprising number of shipwrecks along the length of the Fylde Coast. All trashed by storms and dangerous waters over the years.
On 10 March 2022 you might have seen it reported that The Endurance has been found, 3008m down in the Antarctic. The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust found it, with a South African icebreaker and remotely operated submersibles. Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s vessel is in the Weddell Sea, at the top left corner of Antarctica and the South Pole. It’s not the kind of shipwreck that we’ll ever be able to see… But there is a real-life one to look at, right here on the Fylde Coast.
This rough weather was captured in August. Believe it or not the weather can get treacherous at unexpected times of the year! Now imagine how bad it can get in winter… (and be grateful you’re not in the Antarctic!)
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You might have seen the most recent incident, when the Riverdance ferry ran aground. Did you know that it’s quite near to a wreck from many more years ago? Did you also know that Nelson’s flagship ran aground near Blackpool North Pier? Have you seen the Shipwreck memorial at Cleveleys?
Here’s a quick guide to just a few of the local wrecks. Follow the links to find out more…
2008 – Most Recent of the Shipwrecks – Riverdance Ferry
It was in the evening of 31 January 2008 when the Riverdance Container Ferry ran aground off the Fylde Coast at Anchorsholme.
At Visit Fylde Coast we remember that night well. The wind was merciless, blowing at over 80mph the noise of it was endless. So much so that it drowned out the sound of the emergency services who were trying to rescue the crew. It was only when the tragedy was mentioned on the 10 o’clock news that we knew anything had happened.
When light broke on 1 February the ferry was sat there on the beach, where Cleveleys meets Blackpool. It became an overnight tourist sensation and literally thousands of people flocked to see it.
A catalogue of disasters followed the beaching. More bad weather prevented it from being refloated and the ship had to be cut up on the beach and taken away by lorry. The cargo spilled out of the containers to be washed on shore. To add insult to injury it had landed on the sewage outfall pipe which then had to be replaced.
1981 – The Holland Dredger
Back in August 1981, storm weather washed the giant Holland XXIV dredging platform to shore at Cleveleys. It had been working on a new outfall pipe at Anchorsholme, but it and two supply platforms were beached with wreckage scattered for half a mile along the shore.
Then local resident Carrie Dennison sent us their family photos and there’s a full article here about the Holland XXIV Dredger being grounded at Cleveleys.
Shipwrecks from the Past – the Abana
Ironically, the Riverdance Ferry landed very near to another of the Fylde Coasts well known Shipwrecks, the Abana.
You can still see the wooden ribs of the boat (above) sticking out of the sand at low tide. How much of it you’ll see depends very much on the weather. More is visible after a spell of rough, stormy weather which scours the sand away.
Look over the beach from the recently completed Anchorsholme sea defences at Princes Way and you can usually see it.
Nelson’s Flagship, HMS Foudroyant, Wrecked off Blackpool
Nelson’s famous flagship HMS Foudroyant ran aground to be wrecked off North Pier in a hurricane-force storm in 1897.
There’s a Blue Plaque mounted on a plinth at the right hand side of North Pier which marks the spot. Salvage from the wreck became souvenirs, with wood used in many a prominent board room.
Shipwreck Memorial at Cleveleys
The Shipwreck Memorial remembers all of the boats lost on the Fylde Coast by name and date. You’ll find it on the promenade where Cleveleys meets Blackpool, opposite Kingsway.
It’s a tall, laser cut metal structure with a hole in the centre, through which you should be able to see the Abana. (When the tide is out of course!)
Fleetwood Marsh Nature Park
Not quite perhaps what you might describe as ‘shipwrecks’. But you’ll certainly find wrecked boats at Fleetwood Marsh Nature Park. It’s the marshy estuary land adjoining the River Wyre – and a graveyard for boats.
Ribble Estuary
Again, a place to spot abandoned boats rather than shipwrecks, the Ribble Estuary is another good place to look.
Celestial Dawn has lingered in the flats for some time, off the seafront near Church Scar between Lytham and Fairhaven. Various other sailing craft make for equally interesting photographic subjects too!
- Beach Safety Advice – don’t get into danger!
- Watch out for Sandbanks and Tidal Pools
- Looking for shipwrecks is just one of the things to do locally. Take a look at our A-Z of Top Things to do for FREE
- Anniversary of Riverdance
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