Castillo Oropesa Wreck
| Field |
Value |
| Obstruction Category |
foul ground |
| Status |
Dead = Not detected by numerous sources therefore considered not to exist
|
Castillo oropesa Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM)
|
35 17.412 N,2 54.763 W |
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
|
- Latitude: 35.290200
- Longitude: -2.912717
|
| Water Depth |
18 m
|
| Water Level Effect |
always under water/submerged |
| Vertical Datum |
Lowest Astronomical Tide |
| Name |
CASTILLO OROPESA |
|
Type
|
steam ship
|
| Flag |
ES |
| Length |
128 m |
| Width |
16.5 m |
| Draught |
8 |
| Tonnage |
5177 |
| Tonnage Type |
gross |
| Cargo |
ballast
|
| Conspic Visual |
not visually conspicuous |
| Conspic Radar |
not radar conspicuous |
| Date Sunk |
Nov 8, 1941
|
| Bottom Texture |
Sand |
| Original Detection Year |
1941 |
| Last Detection Year |
2002 |
| Original Source |
unknown |
| Last Amended Date |
Apr 13, 2002 |
Simplified Wreck Survey
Wreck details for the Castillo Oropesa located off the coast of Melilla near the Dique del Este. The wreck of the Castillo Oropesa is positioned at coordinates 35 17.412 N, 2 54.763 W. Originally reported as a dangerous wreck in 1942, the site was officially declared removed from charts in 1948. However, subsequent nautical reports from 1989 identified that remnants of the vessel persist on the seabed. Mariners are cautioned against anchoring within 1000 meters of the head of the Muelle Nordeste due to submerged structural plates and debris from the Castillo Oropesa wreck site. While the main wreck was historically marked as removed, the area remains an underwater obstruction hazard with scattered metal wreckage on the seafloor near Melilla. Recent navigational charts classify this site as a non-existent or deleted wreck entry, yet local maritime warnings suggest caution due to the presence of historical wreckage in the vicinity of the original sinking.
Surveying Details
H4407/41 24.1.42 H4407/41 24.1.42 DW LIES 090DEGS, 5.25C FROM FL.G LT AT OUTER END OF DIQUE DEL NE, MELILLA. (AUTHORITY NOT STATED). CHART AS DW. - NM 116/42. 3.2.43 3.2.43 IDENTIFIED AS 'CASTILLO OROPESA'. (NID 0741/43). H4407/41 25.4.48 H4407/41 25.4.48 WK REMOVED. (CADIZ NM 12/323/48). DELETED. - NM 832/48. 9.2.89 9.2.89 VESSELS WARNED AGAINST ANCHORING 1000MTRS E OF HEAD OF MUELLA NORDESTE AS SOME PLATES FROM WK OF 'CASTILLO OROPESA' STILL EXIST IN THE VICINITY OF SINKING. (SPANISH DERRO-TERRO NUM 3, TOMO 1 PARA 10-47). INS F IN 351729.5N, 025441E. - NM 718/89. 13.4.02 13.4.02 NOT SHOWN ON SPANISH 4331 [JUL'01 EDN, LARGEST SCALE 1:7500]. AMENDED TO DEAD. DELETE. NE 580.
Circumstances of loss
TORPEDOED AND SUNK BY ITALIAN SUBMARINE 'DANDOLO'. VESSEL, BUILT 1917 BY W DOXFORD & SONS, WAS TORPEDOED & SUNK BY A GERMAN SUBMARINE OFF MELILLA. OWNED AT THE TIME OF LOSS BY THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT. (DODS). VESSEL SUNK BY EITHER GERMAN OR ITALIAN SUBMARINE, WHILE IN SPANISH TERRITORIAL WATERS, WHEN ABOUT TO ENTER MELILLA TO LOAD ORON ORE FOR GIJON. ALL CREW SAVED. (LL WW2).
WRECK MAP LOADING ...
35 17.412 N,2 54.763 W
Castillo Oropesa on Wreck Map
Castillo Oropesa Wreck on Google Map
FAQ
Where is the CASTILLO OROPESA wreck located?
The CASTILLO OROPESA wreck is located at coordinates 35 17.412 N,2 54.763 W.
How deep is the seabed around the CASTILLO OROPESA?
The seabed around the CASTILLO OROPESA lies at approximately 18 meters deep.
When did the CASTILLO OROPESA sink?
The CASTILLO OROPESA sank on Nov 8, 1941.
When was the wreck of the CASTILLO OROPESA discovered?
The wreck of the CASTILLO OROPESA was discovered in 1941.
What country did the CASTILLO OROPESA belong to?
The CASTILLO OROPESA belonged to ES.
What cargo was the CASTILLO OROPESA carrying?
The CASTILLO OROPESA was carrying ballast.
What was the tonnage of the CASTILLO OROPESA?
The CASTILLO OROPESA had a tonnage of 5177 tons.
What type of wreck is the CASTILLO OROPESA?
The CASTILLO OROPESA is classified as a steam ship.
General Comments
PLATES REMAIN IN VICINITY OF SINKING