HMT Arfon facts for kids

HMT Arfon was a special kind of fishing boat called a trawler. The Royal Navy in the United Kingdom used her during the start of World War I. Sadly, she sank on April 30, 1917. This happened after she hit a hidden mine near St Alban's Head in Dorset, England. Today, the wreck is a protected site. This means it is important and looked after by Historic England.

The Arfon's Story

The Arfon was built in 1908. She was made in a town called Goole in East Riding of Yorkshire. Her first owner was the Peter Steam Trawling Company from Milford Haven, South Wales. She was a large trawler, weighing 227 tons.

In 1914, the Royal Navy needed more ships for the war. So, they took over the Arfon. They changed her into a minesweeper. This meant she was armed and used to find and clear dangerous underwater mines.

In 1917, while doing her duty, the Arfon hit a mine. The ship sank very quickly, in just two minutes. Ten brave crew members lost their lives. Only three people survived. They were blown off the ship when the mine exploded. A German submarine, UC-61, was believed to be responsible for placing the mine.

Exploring the Arfon Wreck

The wreck of the Arfon is still in good condition on the seabed. It sits upright, just as it sank. The front part of the ship, called the bow, was destroyed by the mine explosion. However, the middle and back parts, called the stern and amidships, are still there.

Finding the Arfon

For many years, the Arfon wreck was not correctly identified. In 1998, a wreck was found and thought to be the Arfon. But in 2014, experts finally identified the real Arfon wreck. It was found in a different spot on the seabed.