Marienborg
Northwestern area of Tankar, Västerbodan, Kokkola
With its five masts and more than 70 metres of length, m/s Marienborg was on its way to the Ykspihlaja harbour in September 1924 in order to load up timber and transport it to England. This Danish ship, manufactured in Canada, was equipped with two Scandia auxiliary diesel engines. As the ship approached the Tankar pilot station, it hit the rocks at full speed at the northern end of Västerbådan. People from the pilot station rushed to the ship and saw that it was firmly aground. The crew and their belongings were moved to Tankar.
Despite several persistent attempts, the two tugboats ordered by the insurance company failed to free the vessel. The insurance company ultimately sold the wreck, and it was demolished over the course of many years. Part of the ship’s planks, so-called American timber, were used to build villas in the Öja archipelago. In 1932 the wreck broke up in a northerly storm, and parts of it floated even long distances.
The location where the Marienborg sank has been a popular diving destination. Remnants have been found on the seabed and off the shores of islands. You can still see parts of the wreck on the cliffs of Kallskär.
Stories
“The sight is impressive because the ship is large. In addition, the ship’s auxiliary engines have been started in order to reduce sails. Now the schooner is turning in order to take off some of the sails. (…)Then it happens.” (Moisio: Sukeltajan maailma, 1996)
“The arm-thick cables did not bear the weight but broke like strings as the tugboats tried to tow the stern of the Marienborg off the rocks.” (Moisio: Sukeltajan maailma 1996)
“The story goes that she was steered to the rocks on purpose. The era of sailing ships was ending, says Arvo Hyytiä from the diving club Kokkolan Merisaukot.” (Latva-Teikari: YLE News, 20 November 2009)
Photos
Marienborg on the rocks (K.H. Renlundin museo - Keski-Pohjanmaan maakuntamuseo)
Marienborg on the rocks (K.H. Renlundin museo - Keski-Pohjanmaan maakuntamuseo)
Marienborg in the background (K.H. Renlundin museo - Keski-Pohjanmaan maakuntamuseo)
A pulley of the Marienborg (K.H. Renlundin museo - Keski-Pohjanmaan maakuntamuseo)