Southsea Sub-Aqua Club’s 2019 expedition project ‘Two Tugs’ continues our desire to learn more about the WW2 Allied invasion of Normandy and the stories of the numerous individual ships, vessels and craft that took part in this momentous and historic endeavour. Our focus has been on smaller ships and craft rather than the more significant ships and whose role was less obvious, but just as vital, to the overall success of Operation NEPTUNE.

The role of tugs in maritime operations is seldom told yet they were often the saviours of stricken ships and their crews. The tugs were also essential to the successful exercise to construct two artificial harbours which were vital to ensure that the Allied forces were able to be supplied with men, equipment and supplies to strengthen and reinforce their foot hold in Normandy.

Our investigation has revealed some surprising and unexpected results which we are pleased to share through this report. As a result of our surveys and subsequent research we believe that these wrecks are not HMRT SESAME nor USS PARTRIDGE. Indeed, our conclusions are that the wreck reported to be HMRT SESAME is the British tug ‘DUNDAS’ and the wreck reported to be USS PARTRIDGE is, to our surprise, the British Destroyer HMS ISIS. This report sets out the evidence from survey and research which supports this conclusion. In addition, this report identifies other surprising artefacts which we discovered at the wreck sites and a findings of a marine life survey which enhance the overall project report.

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