ivor miller
von tromp
The October 1976 sinking of the Admiral Von Tromp in Saltwick Bay, near the fishing port of Whitby, is at first a mundane yet tragic tale of a trawler caught out in fog and wrecked on rocks, in this case the infamous Black Nab.
But this event, which resulted in the deaths of two sailors, was overshadowed by a mystery that has long perplexed those who know of it – how the Admiral Von Tromp came to be wrecked in the first place. For the vessel, which was equipped with modern navigation equipment, should have been nowhere near land when it foundered. Yet it was found to have been 90 degrees of course heading due west, straight into the worst rocks the rugged North Yorkshire coast could throw at it.
admiral-von-tromp-wreck-saltwick-bay-black-nab-2
The one man who may have been able to shed light on the mystery, experienced helmsman John Addison, drowned that night. His body reportedly showed no trace of alcohol, and according to Scarborough Maritime Heritage, Addison appeared completely stunned and unable to act.
The real reasons behind the sinking may never be known. All we’re left with is the Admiral Von Tromp’s battered and mangled wreck on the sand of Saltwick Bay, presided over by eerie Black Nab.
von tromp
The October 1976 sinking of the Admiral Von Tromp in Saltwick Bay, near the fishing port of Whitby, is at first a mundane yet tragic tale of a trawler caught out in fog and wrecked on rocks, in this case the infamous Black Nab.
But this event, which resulted in the deaths of two sailors, was overshadowed by a mystery that has long perplexed those who know of it – how the Admiral Von Tromp came to be wrecked in the first place. For the vessel, which was equipped with modern navigation equipment, should have been nowhere near land when it foundered. Yet it was found to have been 90 degrees of course heading due west, straight into the worst rocks the rugged North Yorkshire coast could throw at it.
admiral-von-tromp-wreck-saltwick-bay-black-nab-2
The one man who may have been able to shed light on the mystery, experienced helmsman John Addison, drowned that night. His body reportedly showed no trace of alcohol, and according to Scarborough Maritime Heritage, Addison appeared completely stunned and unable to act.
The real reasons behind the sinking may never be known. All we’re left with is the Admiral Von Tromp’s battered and mangled wreck on the sand of Saltwick Bay, presided over by eerie Black Nab.