Lettens Jan06/08/2007

Vessel sits upright in 70 metres, 30 miles south of Weymouth. On 23rd August 1977 the Bell from the wreck of the Illinois USS was recovered by divers operating from the Sport Diveboat "Wey Chieftain" from the Port of Weymouth. Wreck is completely intact and lies on an even keel.

Chipchase Nick25/07/2009

This is one of the most intact WW1 wrecks in the Channel. The wreck is upright with the deck mostly around 58m. The seabed depth is 68m.
The stern area contains the engine room which is remarkably intact. This is the highest section of the wreck. Moving forward the deck has collapsed somewhat on the starboard side. Near here are some steps going below deck possibly to the pump room. The rudimentary bridge has collapsed to one side and it is possible to swim beneath it. At the bow the focastle is intact and it is possible to enter the head where the bell was found. Illinois is one of several tankers off Portland. The others include Motano, Conch, Beusten and Pomella.

ref. used:

Chipchase Nick, Personal dive log, Chipchase N.