Stanegarth facts for kids
| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
|
| Owner | British Waterways Board |
| Builder | Lytham Ship Builders Company |
| Launched | 1910 |
| Fate | Scuttled 2000 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Tugboat |
| Length | 18 m (59 ft) |
| Beam | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Installed power |
|
The Stanegarth was a special kind of boat called a tugboat. It was built in 1910 by a company called Lytham Ship Builders. Its job was to help manage waterways in the United Kingdom.
When it was first built, the Stanegarth used steam power to move. Imagine a giant kettle making the boat go! Later, in 1957, it was changed to use diesel fuel, which is like the fuel cars use today.
The Stanegarth's main job was to pull three special boats called "dredging hoppers." These hoppers were like big buckets that collected mud and dirt from the bottom of rivers. This helped keep the waterways clear for other boats. The tugboat would travel with these hoppers and their crews between Gloucester and Purton.
From Workboat to Dive Site
On June 6, 2000, the Stanegarth was intentionally sunk. This is called being scuttled. It was sunk in a place called Stoney Cove.
Why sink a boat on purpose? It was done to create an artificial reef. An artificial reef is like an underwater playground for fish and other water creatures. It gives them a safe place to live and hide.
The sunken Stanegarth also became a great spot for wreck diving. This is when people in diving gear explore old ships that have sunk. The wreck now rests about 20 metres (66 ft) deep in fresh water. It is more than 18 metres (59 ft) long and 5 metres (16 ft) wide.
There's a special sign on the Stanegarth wreck. It says "Stanegarth project by Stoney Cove and Diver Magazine June 2008." This shows how it became a cool place for divers to visit.
