Virago Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category non-dangerous wreck
Virago Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		49 41.759 N,2 8.882 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 49.695983
  • Longitude: -2.148033
Wreck Depth 35 m
Water Depth 41 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name VIRAGO
Type steam ship
Sonar Length 65
Sonar Width 10
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Jun 3, 1882
Original Detection Year 2012
Last Detection Year 2022
Original Source survey vessel
Surveying Details SEP 2012/000144366 23.7.12 WK LOCATED IN 4941.759N, 0208.882W [WGD]. LEAST M/B DEPTH 35 IN GEN DEPTH 41MTRS. LENGTH 95MTRS, WIDTH 10MTRS. (IXSURVEY, FOR OPENHYDRO, HN DTD 19.7.12). UPRIGHT, INTACT, CENTRE COLLAPSED. INS AS WK 35MTRS. - NM 3766/12. SEP 2024/000340507 28.11.24 WK IDENTIFIED AS 'THE 'SS VIRAGO' BY DIVERS IN 4941.759N, 02-08.882W. (THE HENRY EULER MEMORIAL TRUST 2022 VIA ASHLEY HAWKINSS E-MAIL DTD 25.11.24). UPDATE OBJNAM.
Last Amended Date Nov 28, 2024

Circumstances of loss

THE SS VIRAGO WAS BUILT IN 1871 BY THE LARGEST SHIPBUILDING YARD ON THE HUMBER CALLED EARLE'S SHIPBUILDING AND ENGINEERING CO. LTD. (YARD NO.138). IT WAS ONE OF FOUR PASSENGER/CARGO VESSELS BUILT OF IRON, OF JUST OVER 1,800 TONS WITH A SINGLE-SCREW, COMPOUND STEAM ENGINE, DESIGNED TO TRANSIT THE NEWLY BUILT SUEZ CANAL FOR THE WILSON LINE OF HULL.IT WAS LOST WITH ALL HANDS AND WITHOUT TRACE IN THE ALDERNEY RACE ON 3RD JUNE 1882 (CAPTAIN JOHN STEPHENS AND THE CREW OF 26). A SUBSEQUENT INQUIRY AT THE TIME FAILED TO ESTABLISH THE CAUSE OR LOCATION OF THE WRECK, ALTHOUGH TWO EMPTY LIFEBOATS BEARING THE SHIP'S NAME WERE FOUND FLOATING WITH OTHER WRECKAGE SEVERAL MILES NORTHEAST OF ALDERNEY IN THE ENGLISH CHANNEL DAYS AFTER ITS DISAPPEARANCE.

General Comments

UPRIGHT, CENTRE COLLAPSED

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 49 41.759 N,2 8.882 W
Virago on Wreck Map Virago Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the VIRAGO wreck located?

The VIRAGO wreck is located at coordinates 49 41.759 N,2 8.882 W.

How deep is the VIRAGO and where exactly is it located?

The VIRAGO lies at a depth of about 35 meters and is located at coordinates 49 41.759 N,2 8.882 W.

How deep is the seabed around the VIRAGO?

The seabed around the VIRAGO lies at approximately 41 meters deep.

When did the VIRAGO sink?

The VIRAGO sank on Jun 3, 1882.

When was the wreck of the VIRAGO discovered?

The wreck of the VIRAGO was discovered in 2012.

What type of wreck is the VIRAGO?

The VIRAGO is classified as a steam ship.

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