The Wreck of the KAFFIR

Just to the north of the entrance to Ayr Harbour lies the wreck of the Clyde puffer KAFFIR. She was wrecked her in September 1974, when her engineer took her out of Ayr harbour under some very dubious circumstances. She went ashore, and despite efforts to refloat her the following day, her stern gear had been damaged by the grounding and she was eventually written off as a constructive total loss. Over the years, the continual action of the sea has pounded the wreck and she is now is two sections. Beyond KAFFIR the Russian warship SEVEROMORSK lies at anchor, with the Royal Navy's HMS BANGOR keeping her company. Clyde Marine Services' CRUISER is alongside the Russian ship, acting as a liberty boat for her crew.