To prevent entrance to North Adriatic, Germans had started spreading underwater mines. In last two years of Second World War, they spread a few thousands mines. They had blocked all ports and canals and many of underwater mine fields has been situated at the open sea in front of East Istria. To establish a secured sea traffic Britain mine-sweepers started a dangerous job. Cleaned areas had been marked on charts. Mine sweeping was executed by Britain ships equipped with special mine-sweep technology. HMS Coriolanus of type "Trawler" and class "Shakespeare" was a part of Britain Navy program in 1939. There were 12 identical mine-sweepers built.
HMS Coriolanus was powered with steam engine of 850 Horse powers which made maximum velocity of 12.25 knots. Weapon system consisted of one "12-pounder" cannon with caliber of 76 mm, 3-4 cannons of 20 mm. The ship was also equipped with cca 30 underwater mines. HMS Coriolanus was built in Amos & Smith shipyard in Cochrane, launched on 20th of December 1940. and was included in Royal Navy on 6th of February of 1941. with mark "T 140". On 5th of May 1945. HMS Coriolanus hit the mine while it was sweeping the sea in front of Novigrad. The explosion made a hole in front ship body. HMS Coriolanus sunk for a few minutes.
HMS Coverley (class Dance) - very similar to HMS Coriolanus, main difference is armament.
Ship info:
Name:
HMS Coriolanus
Type:
mine-sweeper, class Shakespeare
Origin:
Great Britain, Royal Navy
Length:
45 m
Width:
8.43 m
Tonnage:
770 t (deep load) - 545 t (standard)
Engines:
850 HP (steam engine)
Cause:
Underwater mine
Speed:
12.25 knots
Armament:
12-pounder cannon 76 mm, 3-4 cannons of 20 mm, 30 underwater bombs
Max depth:
25 m
Min Depth:
11 m
Sunk:
5.5.1945.
Crew:
35
Wreck info:
The wreck lies vertical on flat bottom at 25 meters. Minimum depth is 11 meters. Sometimes the wreck can be spoted from surface. However, the visibility is low, because of sea plankton. The wreck is situated in forbiden area, so the diving is possible only with registered diving center or a special permission.
NOTICE: Vitez Wreck Diving Center is not making trips to the current wreck because its location is far-away from our base. It is possible only in special occasions.
Name:
