Betelgeuse (Bow Section) Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category non-dangerous wreck
Betelgeuse (bow section) Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM)
50 40 N,12 4 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 50.666667
  • Longitude: -12.066667
Water Depth 2140 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION)
Type tanker
Flag FR
Length 281.6 m
Width 39 m
Draught 15.8
Tonnage 61766
Tonnage Type gross
Cargo oil
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Feb 23, 1979
Original Detection Year 1979
Original Source Lloyd's and Marine Underwriter's reports
Surveying Details H4641/74 27.2.79 H4641/74 27.2.79 SUNK BY CONTROLLED BALLASTING IN POSN APPROX 504000N, 120400W. (LLOYDS & MRCC SHANNON, TLX DTD 23.2.79). NCA.
Last Amended Date Nov 5, 2014

Circumstances of loss

23.2.79 BUILT IN 1968 BY CHANTIERS DE L'ATLANTIQUE. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY CIE NAVALE DES PETROLES. VESSEL WAS CUT IN 2 BY EXPLOSIONS WHILE DISCHARGING CARGO AT GULF OIL OCEAN TERMINAL, WHIDDY ISLAND, BANTRY BAY ON 8..1.79. BOTH PARTS SANK FOLLWING HUGE FIRE. CONTAINED 40000 TONNES OF THE ORIGINAL 120000 TONNES OF CRUDE OIL. 50 LIVES LOST. STERN SECTION WAS TOWED AWAY FOR BREAKING & BOW TOWED OUT INTO ATLANTIC & SUNK BY CONTROLLED BALLASTING ON 23.2.79. (MSD & MRCC SHANNON).

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 50 40 N,12 4 W
Betelgeuse (Bow Section) on Wreck Map Betelgeuse (Bow Section) Wreck on Google Map

Nearby Wrecks:

FAQ

Where is the BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) wreck located?

The BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) wreck is located at coordinates 50 40 N,12 4 W.

How deep is the seabed around the BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION)?

The seabed around the BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) lies at approximately 2140 meters deep.

When did the BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) sink?

The BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) sank on Feb 23, 1979.

When was the wreck of the BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) discovered?

The wreck of the BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) was discovered in 1979.

What country did the BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) belong to?

The BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) belonged to FR.

What cargo was the BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) carrying?

The BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) was carrying oil.

What was the tonnage of the BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION)?

The BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) had a tonnage of 61766 tons.

What type of wreck is the BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION)?

The BETELGEUSE (BOW SECTION) is classified as a tanker.