Buitenzorg

The Buitenzorg

The Buitenzorg was a 4500 ton Dutch cargo vessel that courts many conflicting tales with several versions of what she was carrying and how she ended up in a gorge in the Sound of Mull.  On one hand the story goes that she was travelling from Dundee to Calcutta carrying a cargo of tea, rubber and tin when she ran aground and sank on the 14^th January 1914 but the flip side of the coin is that she was scuttled for fear of further attacks being carried out by U-boats that were prowling the waters further offshore around that time.  She sank in just 15 minutes and is shrouded in mystery as to the exact cargo she was or was not carrying.  

Evidence of salvage attempts such as the 3–5m large hole are clearly visible  on the port side forward hold with damage also spreading to the starboard side of the vessel this being carried out between the years of 1977 and 1983.

 
Today the Buitenzorg lies largely intact in an upright position at a depth of approximately 80-85m.  Partially covered with netting on a gradually sloping seabed of sand and mud, her distorted bow points in an Northwards indication.  She presents challenging diving conditions to say the least with visibility and lighting reducing rapidly after passing the 50m mark.