PS Iona (1855) facts for kids
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). The Iona was a special kind of boat called a paddle steamer. She was built in Scotland. During the American Civil War, people working for the Confederate side bought her. They wanted to use her as a blockade runner. This meant she would try to sneak past enemy ships.
Sadly, the Iona crashed with another ship called Chanticleer. This happened in October 1862. She sank in the Upper Clyde river, close to Fort Matilda. Today, the Iona's wreck rests about 27 meters (89 feet) deep. It is now a special place called a Historic Marine Protected Area. This means it is protected by Historic Environment Scotland.
Contents
The Story of the Iona
The Iona was not just any ship. She played a small but interesting part in history. Her story connects Scotland with a big war far away.
What Was the Iona?
The Iona was a paddle steamer. This type of boat moves using large wheels on its sides. These wheels have paddles that push through the water. She was built in Scotland, a country known for making many ships.
Why Was She Important?
The Iona was bought by people called Confederate agents. These were representatives from the southern states during the American Civil War. This war was fought in America between the northern and southern states.
The Confederates wanted the Iona to be a blockade runner. During the war, the northern states tried to stop supplies from reaching the southern states. They did this by blocking ports with their navy. A blockade runner was a fast ship that tried to sneak through these blockades. They would carry important goods like weapons or medicine.
Her Final Journey
In October 1862, the Iona was sailing in the Upper Clyde in Scotland. She was near a place called Fort Matilda. Sadly, she had a terrible accident. She crashed into another ship named Chanticleer.
After the collision, the Iona sank quickly. Her journey ended right there in the river.
The Iona Today
The Iona's wreck lies deep under the water. It is about 27 meters (89 feet) below the usual water level. This depth is measured from something called "chart datum." This is a standard point used on sea maps.
Today, the Iona is not just a sunken ship. She is a Historic Marine Protected Area. This means she is a special underwater site. Historic Environment Scotland protects her. This protection helps keep the wreck safe for future generations. It also allows people to study her and learn about her past.
