River Severn and Wye Bridge AccidentNearby Tourist Attraction,  in or near to Berkeley

You can moor your boat on the Gloucester and Sharpness pretty much opposite the site of the wreck. Car Parking can be found a short walk from the site in the village of Purton.

Tragic story of the Wastdale H and Arkendale H Wrecks.

In the shadows of maritime history, where the River Severn kisses the shores near Sharpness, lie the silent sentinels of a bygone era - the Wastdale H and Arkendale H wrecks.

These ghostly remnants, shipwrecks weathered by time and tides, tell a tale of maritime ventures and the unpredictable, ever-changing moods of the Severn. They stand as a testament to the seafaring days when trade and adventure sailed these waters.

The tankers were the Arkendale H, loaded with 300 tons of black oil, bound from Swansea to Worcester and the Wastdale H, loaded with 350 tons of petroleum spirit, bound from Avonmouth to Worcester.

Both were owned and operated by John Harker Limited. There were several other boats that left Avonmouth that evening: Wyesdale H, Tug Addie and Tug Robert A bound for Lydney with three lighters loaded up with logs.

Tragedy struck on the 25th October 1960. When they left Avonmouth, there was no sign of fog. The boats proceeded upstream towards Sharpness accompanied by other vessels from Swansea.

Thick fog descended making navigation very difficult. The Arkendale H narrowly missed colliding with Tug Addie but the avoiding action caused her to collide with the Wastdale H.

Column 17 was hit by Wastdale Hand two spans of the bridged were brought down. A mains gas line was also damaged. The gas, oil and petroleum ignited causing additional chaos to this already dreadful incident

Damage to the bridge was significant enough for the bridge to be scrapped despite attempts to save and repair it.

Today, these shipwrecks serve as haunting reminders of the powerful forces of nature and the risks faced by mariners of yesteryears. When the tides recede, and the mist envelops the waters, these wrecks emerge, almost like echoes of a time long past.

Their eerie beauty and historical significance make them a destination for those who seek to connect with the maritime heritage of the Severn. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a photographer capturing the river's melancholic charm, or simply a curious soul, the Wastdale H and Arkendale H wrecks near Sharpness beckon you to explore their silent stories.

As you stand on the riverbanks and gaze at these relics, remember the lives and journeys they represent. The Severn's embrace can be both nurturing and unforgiving, and these shipwrecks are a testament to that delicate balance.

Explore the secrets of the past, contemplate the river's mysteries, and pay your respects to the five brave souls who perished on this awful night. The story of the Wastdale H and Arkendale H wrecks on the River Severn near Sharpness is a tale of adventure, tragedy, and the enduring spirit of maritime exploration.

The Video also tells the story of Purton Hulks - Ships Graveyard. The Bridge wreck begins at 6:52.