Champollion Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure
Status Dead = Not detected by numerous sources therefore considered not to exist
Champollion Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		33 50.263 N,35 28.73 E
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 33.837717
  • Longitude: 35.478833
Water Depth 2 m
Water Level Effect covers and uncovers
Vertical Datum Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name CHAMPOLLION
Type liner
Flag FR
Length 161.8 m
Width 18.9 m
Draught 12.2
Tonnage 12546
Tonnage Type gross
Cargo personnel
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Dec 22, 1952
Original Detection Year 1952
Last Detection Year 2009
Original Source national HO/authority wreck information
Last Amended Date Jan 20, 2009

Simplified Wreck Survey

Historic shipwreck details for the wreck Champollion located off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon, near the Beirut Airport area in the Mediterranean Sea at coordinates 33 50.263 N, 35 28.73 E. Historical survey records from the UK Hydrographic Office note that the wreck was photographed in 1954, its machinery was salvaged and exported for scrap by the National Engineering and Trading Company, and portions of the wreck were scheduled for removal or covered by the expansion of the Beirut Airport runway. The wreck was officially deleted from hydrographic charts in September 2009 as the area is now flat.

Surveying Details

H506/54 1.2.54 H506/54 1.2.54 ST PA IN 334500N, 352600E. (HYDRO). NC 2633. H05194/53 20.4.54 H05194/53 20.4.54 PHOTO OF WK. POSN CALCULATED AS 335027N, 352845E. INFORATION FROM LLOYDS THAT WK HAS BEEN PURCHASED BY NATIONAL ENGINEERING & TRADING CO, & THE MACHINERY EXPORTED FOR SCRAP TO EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. NC 2633. 21.7.81 21.7.81 [EUR] POSN: 335020N, 352845E. NC 2634. 23.7.96 23.7.96 WK WILL BE PARTLY REMOVED AND REMAINDER COVERED BY NEW RUNWAY BEING BUILT FOR BEIRUT AIRPORT IN DUE COURSE. (B KIRKE, HOCHTIEF, GERMANY, TELECON 23.7.96). 20.1.09 SEP 2009/00004654 20.1.09 DELETED. (FRENCH NM 2/48/09). AREA IS NOW FLT. BR STD.

Circumstances of loss

BUILT IN 1924 BY LA CIOTAT. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY MESSAGERIES MARITIMES. TRIPLE EXPANSIN ENGINES AND S TURBINE FOR 17.5 KTS. PASSAGE MARSEILLES FOR BEIRUT WITH 250 CREW & 108 PASSENGERS, MOSTLY PRIEST & PILGRIMS TRAVELLING TO HOLY LAND FOR CHRISTMAS. RAN AGROUND ON A SANDBANK OFF BEIRUT IN HEAVY WEATHER & BEGAN TO BREAK UP. 17 LIVES LOST BY PEOPLE TRYING TO SWIM ASHORE. (DODS).

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 33 50.263 N,35 28.73 E
Champollion on Wreck Map Champollion Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the CHAMPOLLION wreck located?

The CHAMPOLLION wreck is located at coordinates 33 50.263 N,35 28.73 E.

How deep is the seabed around the CHAMPOLLION?

The seabed around the CHAMPOLLION lies at approximately 2 meters deep.

When did the CHAMPOLLION sink?

The CHAMPOLLION sank on Dec 22, 1952.

When was the wreck of the CHAMPOLLION discovered?

The wreck of the CHAMPOLLION was discovered in 1952.

What country did the CHAMPOLLION belong to?

The CHAMPOLLION belonged to FR.

What cargo was the CHAMPOLLION carrying?

The CHAMPOLLION was carrying personnel.

What was the tonnage of the CHAMPOLLION?

The CHAMPOLLION had a tonnage of 12546 tons.

What type of wreck is the CHAMPOLLION?

The CHAMPOLLION is classified as a liner.

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