Viking Explorer Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category non-dangerous wreck
Viking explorer Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		0 46.156 S,117 46.152 E
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: -0.769267
  • Longitude: 117.769200
Water Depth 55 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Mean Lower Low Water
Name VIKING EXPLORER
Type drill vessel/rig
Flag BS
Length 136.6 m
Width 24.1 m
Draught 9.9
Tonnage 8229
Tonnage Type gross
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Sep 7, 1988
Original Detection Year 1988
Last Detection Year 2023
Original Source Lloyd's and Marine Underwriter's reports
Last Amended Date Jan 10, 2024

Surveying Details

H6218/82 22.9.88 H6218/82 22.9.88 SANK IN 200MTRS OF WATER, 70M NE OF BALIKPAPAN. (LLOYDS VOL.273). H6218/82 14.10.88 H6218/82 14.10.88 GAS BLOW OUT OCCURRED IN 004608S, 1174606E. (LLOYDS VOL.273). 24.11.88 24.11.88 SANK IN ABOUT 240FT OF WATER. (LLOYDS VOL.274). HH527/350/01 13.3.89 HH527/350/01 13.3.89 SANK IN 004606S, 1174602E. (INDONESIAN NM 351/88). CHART AS NDW. G/S. 3.12.10 3.12.10 [WGD] POSN: 0046.100S, 11746.100E. NC 2893 [DTD 30.12.10].

Circumstances of loss

EXDAN BARON '86, EX-DALKEITH '80), EX-WINGATE '78, EX-DALKEITH '76, EX-GULLANE '76, EX-SOUTRA '75, EX-PHILLIPPE L D '74. BUILT 1958 BY S A DES CHANTIERS REUNIS LOIRE-NORMANDIE, GRAND QUEVILLY. CONVERTED FROM AN ORE CARRIER IN 1976 BY NE COAST SHIP REPAIRERS, SOUTH SHIELDS. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY K/S SPECTRE INVEST III A/S. CAPSIZED AND SANK WHEN DRILLING TOTAL'S FISI-2 WELL IN THE BEKAPI FIELD. AN EXPLOSION OCCURRED WHEN A DRILL BIT AT A DEPTH OF 523FT WAS REMOVED, UNLEASHING A POWERFUL AND UNCONTROLLABLE STREAM OF NATURAL GAS. 4 OF 100 CREW LOST. (MSD).

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 0 46.156 S,117 46.152 E
Viking Explorer on Wreck Map Viking Explorer Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the VIKING EXPLORER wreck located?

The VIKING EXPLORER wreck is located at coordinates 0 46.156 S,117 46.152 E.

How deep is the seabed around the VIKING EXPLORER?

The seabed around the VIKING EXPLORER lies at approximately 55 meters deep.

When did the VIKING EXPLORER sink?

The VIKING EXPLORER sank on Sep 7, 1988.

When was the wreck of the VIKING EXPLORER discovered?

The wreck of the VIKING EXPLORER was discovered in 1988.

What country did the VIKING EXPLORER belong to?

The VIKING EXPLORER belonged to BS.

What was the tonnage of the VIKING EXPLORER?

The VIKING EXPLORER had a tonnage of 8229 tons.

What type of wreck is the VIKING EXPLORER?

The VIKING EXPLORER is classified as a drill vessel/rig.

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