EHG5131 - Underwater Survey - Unknown Wreck, Galmisdale Bay, Isle of Eigg

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Historic Scotland (HS) to conduct a visual inspection of the wreck site in Galmisdale Bay, Isle of Eigg. The work is focused on assessing the condition of previously identified wooden boat remains which have been sandbagged in situ since initial investigations in 2001. The visual inspection was conducted on 5 July, 2014. Two Wessex Archaeologists were assisted by volunteers to carry out the inspection. Due to the shallow conditions at the site, snorkel survey was employed for most of the inspection. A total of one dive and one snorkel investigation were conducted during the inspection. The site was relocated and a visual inspection was conducted across the site. The in-situ preservation plan put in place in 2001 appears to have been successful. Though never intended as a long term conservation measure, the sandbags have remained in place and prevented undue erosion on the site. However, the site is undergoing some erosion and the wreck is slowing becoming re-exposed. The sandbags were judged to be in varying conditions, some remain intact while others are completely disintegrated. Though most of the wreck is still covered, where portions of the wreck site are exposed, the hull timbers are experiencing degradation, possibly at an advanced rate. <1>