Bowsprite (Bow Section) Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category dangerous wreck
Bowsprite (bow section) Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		51 22.85 N,2 34.654 E
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 51.380833
  • Longitude: 2.577567
Wreck Depth 24.5 m
Water Depth 23 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION)
Type dredger
Flag GB
Length 80.5 m
Width 13.7 m
Draught 4.3
Tonnage 1503
Tonnage Type gross
Cargo stone,sand
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Dec 5, 1988
Original Detection Year 1988
Last Detection Year 2025
Original Source national HO/authority notice to mariners
Surveying Details HH342/350/01 7.6.89 SW 20.7MTRS IN 512254N, 023443E [EUR]. (OSTEND NM 87/89). - NM 1864/89. HH100/351/02 6.4.90 WK DIVED ON 27.4.89 IN 512254N, 023442E AND FOUND T0 BE BOW SECTION OF THE BOWSPRITE. LIES UPSIDE DOWN IN 22.5MTRS. (D TERMOTE, 26.3.90). [BUT SEE 15786]. NCA. SEP 2010/000138707 14.10.10 SHOWN AS SW 20.6MTRS [LAT] IN 5122.850N, 0234.654E [WGD] ON BELGIAN 102 [NE 6.2010].
Last Amended Date May 15, 2025

Circumstances of loss

BUILT IN 196 BY AILSA SHIPBUILDING CO, TROON. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY EAST COAST AGGREGATES LTD. VESSEL ARRRIVED OFF NIEUWPOORT CARRYING 18800 TONNES SAND AND GRAVEL FOLLOWING DREDGING OPERATIONS. DUE TO VERY BAD WEATHER NO HARBOUR PILOT WAS AVIALABLE. THE MASTER DECIDED TO RETURN TO THE THAMES ESTRUARY. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS THE VESSEL CAPSIZED, BROKE IN TWO AND SANK. STERN SECTION LATER REFLOATED AND TOWED TO ZEEBRUGGE FOR DEMOLITION. 7 MEN & 2 BODIES RECOVERED. TWO MISSING, PRESUMED DEAD. (MSD).

General Comments

BOW SECTION, INVERTED

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 51 22.85 N,2 34.654 E
Bowsprite (Bow Section) on Wreck Map Bowsprite (Bow Section) Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) wreck located?

The BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) wreck is located at coordinates 51 22.85 N,2 34.654 E.

How deep is the BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) and where exactly is it located?

The BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) lies at a depth of about 24.5 meters and is located at coordinates 51 22.85 N,2 34.654 E.

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

The seabed around the BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) lies at approximately 23 meters deep.

When did the BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) sink?

The BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) sank on Dec 5, 1988.

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

The wreck of the BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) was discovered in 1988.

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

The BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) belonged to GB.

What cargo was the BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) carrying?

The BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) was carrying stone,sand.

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

The BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) had a tonnage of 1503 tons.

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

The BOWSPRITE (BOW SECTION) is classified as a dredger.

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