Balzac Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category dangerous wreck
Balzac Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		54 54.958 N,1 19.617 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 54.915967
  • Longitude: -1.326950
Wreck Depth 12.36 m
Water Depth 13 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name BALZAC
Type motor vessel
Flag NO
Length 65.5 m
Width 10.5 m
Draught 3.9
Sonar Length 7.5
Sonar Width 3
Shadow Height 1.2
Orientation 30
Tonnage 963
Tonnage Type gross
Cargo coal
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Jul 26, 1940
Bottom Texture Gravel
Original Detection Year 1940
Last Detection Year 2019
Original Source other
Surveying Details H0708/40 2.10.40 DW LIES 124DEGS, 1.1M FROM ROKER LT. (ADMIRALTY) - NM 2383/40. H0708/40 26.4.41 SANK 124DEGS, 11C ROCKER LT HO. (NOIC SUNDERLAND, 22.4.41). EXAM'D IN 545457N, 011932W. OROPESA SWEEP CLEAR 42FT, FOUL 44FT. SURROUNDING DEPTH 49FT. LEAST E/S DEPTH 43FT. (HMS SHARPSHOOTER, 23.11.48) CHART AS WK 42FT [7FMS]. - NM 2802/48. H2189/71 22.5.72 SONAR CONTACTS. NOT INVESTIGATED 1971. (ISS, 1971). 22.8.72 AMENDED TO WK 12.8MTRS. NC 1627. 21.8.74 AMENDED TO WK 12.2MTRS [LAT]. NC 1627. H2433/71 25.9.74 AREA CLOSE SOUNDED AND INTENSIVELY EXAMINED. NOTHING FOUND. (HMS EGERIA, 1974). AMENDED TO FOUL. NC 1627. HH090/796/01 22.12.98 EXAM'D IN 545456.1N, 011936.6W [WGD] USING DGPS. NOT LOCATED BY DCS3. MAGNETIC ANOMALY NOTED SUGGESTING THAT WK IS BURIED. (GARDLINE, HI 796). RETAIN AS FOUL IN REVISED POSN. BR STD. SEP 2019/000043627 20.3.19 EXAM�D 20.3.19 IN 5454.958N, 0119.617W [WGD]. LEAST M/B DEPTH 12.36MTRS IN GEN DEPTH 13MTRS. LENGTH 7.5MTRS, WIDTH 3MTRS, HT 1.2MTRS, ORIENTATION 030/210DEGS. 2 DISCERNIBLE OBJECTS IN LINEAR ARRANGEMENT. (MERITAITO, HI 1513). AMEND DW 12.3MTRS IN REVISED POSITION.
Last Amended Date Nov 6, 2019

Circumstances of loss

BUILT IN 1921 BY ODENSE STAALSKIBSVAERFT, ODENSE. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY A/S GANGER ROLF (FRED OLSEN). 6 CYLINDER OIL ENGINE OF 225HP, SINGLE SHAFT. PASSAGE SUNDERLAND FOR COWES. CAME TO ANCHOR ORR ROKER LIGHT WAITING FOR CONVOY. AS ENGINE WAS STOPPED A MINE EXPLODED JUST AFT OF MIDSHIPS ON THE PORT SIDE. BROKE IN TWO AND SANK IN MINUTES, THE BOW FIRST WHILE LISTING TO PORT AND THE STERN 70MTRS AWAY. STATED TO HAVE BEEN DISPERSED BY EXPLOSIVES. (SIBI & R YOUNG).

General Comments

. 2 DISCERNIBLE OBJECTS IN LINEAR ARRANGEMENT

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 54 54.958 N,1 19.617 W
Balzac on Wreck Map Balzac Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the BALZAC wreck located?

The BALZAC wreck is located at coordinates 54 54.958 N,1 19.617 W.

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

The BALZAC lies at a depth of about 12.36 meters and is located at coordinates 54 54.958 N,1 19.617 W.

How deep is the seabed around the BALZAC?

The seabed around the BALZAC lies at approximately 13 meters deep.

When did the BALZAC sink?

The BALZAC sank on Jul 26, 1940.

When was the wreck of the BALZAC discovered?

The wreck of the BALZAC was discovered in 1940.

What country did the BALZAC belong to?

The BALZAC belonged to NO.

What cargo was the BALZAC carrying?

The BALZAC was carrying coal.

What was the tonnage of the BALZAC?

The BALZAC had a tonnage of 963 tons.

What type of wreck is the BALZAC?

The BALZAC is classified as a motor vessel.

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