Purton wrecks
Between 1909 and 1963, at least 80 vessels were beached at Purton, originating from a stormy night 100 years ago when there was a massive landslip in a bank between the river and the parallel Sharpness to Gloucester Canal. A plea went out to commercial boat owners for old vessels to be run aground to plug the breach. Boats were towed over to the far side of the river just before the onset of high tide, and then released so that they thundered into the bank. As the tide fell back, a hole was drilled in the ship's side to allow in water and, over time, mud, silt and sand.
Click on a picture to view gallery
Click on a picture to view gallery