Not Set

A unknown sailing vessel abandoned at the far eastern end of Hooe Lake, possibly the ketch Alfred Rooker.

Type

Unknown sailing vessel

History

This vessel was mentioned in the book Lost Ships of the West Country by Langley & Small as one of three vessels side by side at the east end of the lake. Their map of Hooe Lake describes this as an 'unidentified barge', 'one of three vessels moored alongside each other and floating every high tide, they gradually fell into this decay'. John Cotton reported that this was the remains of the Millbrook passenger ferry Cornubia but does not state his source.

Further research in 2021 has shown that the hulk Hooe Lake 4 may be the remains of the ketch Alfred Rooker (Fig. 1), see Hooe Lake Mystery Ships for more information.

Description

The lower part of the vessel is all that remains, including keel, part of the sternpost, lower frames, inner and outer planking and stringers (Fig. 2).

This vessel is currently being investigated and recorded by The SHIPS Project with the intention of identifying the type and name of the vessel. A detailed archaeological report on this and the other hulks we investigated is currently being written. A detailed archaeological report on this and the other hulks we investigated is currently being written.

Location and Access

Hooe Lake, Oreston, Plymouth

From Oreston, take the Lower Saltram road off Plymstock Road then turn right into Kingfisher Way. Follow the road down to the lake and there is a car park at the end. The wreck partially covers at high tide springs so plan a visit to coincide with low water, the foreshore is accessible when the tide height is less than 2.5m above chart datum. The foreshore round the wreck is soft mud so appropriate footwear is needed.

Nearby hulks include the lighter Arthur , the fishing boat Hooe Lake 1 , Brixham trawler Wendew , unknown vessel Hooe Lake 3 , the passenger ferry Cornubia

Last updated 03 Jan 2021

Position OS: SX 50298 53010
Position GPS: 50.357917, -4.105889
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