Welcome, fellow adventurers, and get ready for a story that’s all about wild storms, creepy shipwrecks, and what’s left of an old ship called the MV Alta. This ship is an enigmatic character in maritime tales and is often spoken of as the ‘Ghost Ship’.
But let’s dive a bit into the history of this renowned ship. The MV Alta started its journey as a merchant vessel back in 1976. With a length of 77 meters, this cargo ship saw numerous voyages, serving the high seas under different flags and owners. However, in October 2018, the vessel became disabled near Bermuda. The crew was rescued, but the ship was left adrift. For more than a year, it journeyed alone, its existence known but its exact whereabouts often unknown. It sailed unmanned across the Atlantic, turning into a ghostly figure wandering the open seas.
Finally, its solitary expedition ended in February 2020, when the MV Alta was washed ashore on the Irish Coast, near Ballycotton, County Cork. Since then, it’s been a fascinating and somewhat eerie attraction, continuing its life as a stationary ‘Ghost Ship’.
Now, let me take you through our own thrilling rendezvous with the MV Alta, which began with a chilly winter adventure.
The First Visit – 21 December 2020
On the cusp of the winter solstice, we braved the adverse weather, embarking on our journey from Churchtown South. As the afternoon sun reluctantly slipped away, the day became veiled in a shroud of dusk, making it a tad trickier. Raindrops fell steadily, painting the path muddy, and adding to the mood of the dramatic spectacle that lay ahead of us.
Though we beheld the silhouette of the shipwreck from a distance, the worsening conditions and diminishing light made the path perilous, and we had no choice but to retreat. We took a rain check, quite literally, but vowed to return.
The Spring Reconnaissance – 20 April 2021
Fast forward a few months, and we embarked on our second visit. This time we kicked off our journey from the quaint village of Ballycotton, taking a scenic route along Ballyandreen Beach towards the Ghostship MV Alta (for the GPS savvy, coordinates 51.8116710, -8.0558357).
As our adventure with the MV Alta unfolds, it’s also worth mentioning the vibrant life that thrives around the eerie shipwreck. You see, the Ballycotton walk is a haven for a rich array of fauna, and the diversity is simply amazing.
Right at the start of the cliff walk, an information board gives a sneak peek into what to expect. From birds that rule the skies to playful marine life, the Ballycotton walk truly immerses you in the beauty of nature. You could spot a Razorbill or a Gannet soaring above, or a Manx Shearwater gliding low over the waters.
The Common Dolphin might grace you with its joyful antics, while Kittiwakes dive in and out of the water, a delightful sight for any wildlife enthusiast. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Peregrine, the fastest bird in the world, or the charming Stonechat, singing its heart out.
Choughs, with their red bills and legs, can often be seen performing aerial displays. Look out for House Martins swiftly darting around catching insects, or Rock Pipits hopping about on the rocks near the water. And don’t miss the Fulmars, known for their impressive flights and quirky ‘tube noses’.
So, as we trod along the path to the ghostly remains of MV Alta, we also found ourselves in the heart of a wildlife paradise, adding another layer to our thrilling adventure.
Blessed by the radiant spring sun, we could truly appreciate the sight of the wreck. But time and relentless sea waves had gnawed away at the ship. The hull facing the sea had given away, mirroring the constant battle between man-made marvels and the might of Mother Nature.
Luckily, the low tide presented an opportunity to explore the eerie insides of the ship. Entering required some agility, as we had to squirm through a petite hole previously carved out by some curious soul. The inside reeked of rust and echoed with an eerie rumbling sound. The ship’s precarious tilt on the rocks disoriented us, creating a peculiar uneasiness akin to sea sickness.
What was even more thrilling was the completely destroyed hull on the other side. The ocean waves, unopposed, crashed into the bowels of the ship, where we were treading carefully. Though we managed to scale up to the bow, we lacked the audacity to ascend the mast, unlike some fearless explorers. Surprisingly, even kids seemed undaunted by the ominous ambiance of the wreck.
Interestingly enough, the location of the MV Alta wreck, which once could be easily spotted on Google Maps, seems to have been mysteriously removed.
We aren’t sure of the reason behind this decision. It could be due to safety concerns, given the state of decay of the ship, or perhaps to prevent too many curious explorers from venturing onto the unstable wreck. Regardless, this removal adds another layer of enigma to the already mysterious tale of the MV Alta.
The Charred Remains – 27 March 2022
On our third visit, we found the ship in a grave state. The MV Alta had split into two, bearing the scars of a fire set the day following our second visit. Thinking back, we felt incredibly fortunate to have navigated the ship before this calamity. It was a startling reminder of how fleeting such encounters can be.
Looking back, I question our recklessness, venturing into a decaying ship. But then again, it was an unparalleled adventure, a brush with the haunting beauty of a maritime relic that will be etched in our memories forever.
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