The Witte Zee was a 328-ton ocean going tug. Despite obvious differences in size, there are some interesting similarities to the much smaller Stanegarth in Stoney Cove, particularly with the towing equipment on the stern part of the wreck. I suppose it is a case of function dictating similar design, but more of that later.
The deck at the center of the wreck is a few metres above the seabed at about 30 metres. Looking over the side, there is a line of portholes just below deck level.
The base of the superstructure rises approximately one metre above the deck level with a line of deck lockers stretching across the back.
A little further forward there is a hatch into the side of the superstructure. Other routes for entry include large gaps in the wooden decking, which has decayed considerably in this area. There are some interesting opportunities for exploring inside here, though as always take care to avoid silting out and getting lost.
The port side of the anchor winch has fallen apart leaving a pile of large cogs on the deck. Either side of the anchor winch are pairs of substantially larger and more robust bollards which would be used for attaching tow cables.
The actual bow is very rounded and solid looking, though the thinner plates above deck level have decayed in many places leaving just a frame. I descended to the seabed at 36 metres looking for the hole that sank the Witte Zee, but could find no sign of it. I would guess it is now buried below the silt and gravel.
Heading aft the main feature is a substantially solid samson post that would have been the main point of attachment for towing cables.
The engine room ventilation hatches are still complete but have collapsed inward. This is an unusual pattern of collapse. Maybe there was still air inside this part of the tug when it went down and water pressure folded the whole set of hatches inward, before breaking them sufficiently to let water into the engine room. Inside the engine room of is very cramped and not an easy area to penetrate.
Aft of the ventilation hatches a pair of curved beams span the deck. Their purpose would have been to support tow cables and prevent them from fouling on or damaging the many deck fittings of the tug. Below the beams are the cable holds, still partially filled with coiled cables.
Under the stern the rudder has bent to starboard. The propeller is now buried beneath the seabed save for the tip of one blade, which can be seen protruding from the silt and gravel beneath the port side of the stern. The seabed here is at 34 metres, a couple of metres shallower than at the bow.