Chelsea Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category non-dangerous wreck
Status Dead = Not detected by numerous sources therefore considered not to exist
Chelsea Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		59 7.971 N,4 58.081 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 59.132850
  • Longitude: -4.968017
Water Depth 78 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name CHELSEA
Type steam ship
Flag GB
Length 120.7 m
Width 16.2 m
Draught 8.2
Tonnage 4804
Tonnage Type gross
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Aug 30, 1940
Original Detection Year 1940
Last Detection Year 2005
Original Source published World War 2 losses
Last Amended Date Jun 21, 2004

Simplified Wreck Survey

The underwater wreck known as CHELSEA is officially classified as a dead or disproved site following multiple hydrographic surveys. While initial reports placed the vessel at coordinates 59 07.971 N, 04 58.081 W located in the waters west of the Orkney Islands, professional survey efforts have failed to locate any structural remains such as welded steel or wreckage at this position. Historical records from the UK Hydrographic Office and external sources previously associated the site with various conflicting locations, including 59 45.000 N, 04 00.000 W. Despite these historical references, extensive searches conducted in 1984 by Racal Survey and again in 2005 by Gardline confirmed the wreck could not be found, leading to its status being amended to dead. Consequently, there is no evidence of an underwater obstruction at the reported coordinates near the Orkney Islands.

Surveying Details

POSN 590800N, 045800W. (AUTHORITY NOT KNOWN). POSN ALSO GIVEN AS 50MILES W OF ORKNEY ISLANDS (DODS); 594500N, 040000W (WW2SL & AXIS SUBMARINE SUCCESSES, 1939-45). H2884/83 10.5.84 NOT FOUND IN 590800N, 045800W. (RACAL SURVEY, HI 160). AMENDED TO DEAD. HH091/071/01 30.11.05 NOT LOCATED, DISPROVED. (GARDLINE, HI 1071). NCA.

Circumstances of loss

VESSEL TORPEDOED AND SUNK BY GERMAN SUBMARINE U-32. ON PASSAGE FROM MONTREAL TO METHIL, IN CONVOY HX 66A.

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 59 7.971 N,4 58.081 W
Chelsea on Wreck Map Chelsea Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the CHELSEA wreck located?

The CHELSEA wreck is located at coordinates 59 7.971 N,4 58.081 W.

How deep is the seabed around the CHELSEA?

The seabed around the CHELSEA lies at approximately 78 meters deep.

When did the CHELSEA sink?

The CHELSEA sank on Aug 30, 1940.

When was the wreck of the CHELSEA discovered?

The wreck of the CHELSEA was discovered in 1940.

What country did the CHELSEA belong to?

The CHELSEA belonged to GB.

What was the tonnage of the CHELSEA?

The CHELSEA had a tonnage of 4804 tons.

What type of wreck is the CHELSEA?

The CHELSEA is classified as a steam ship.

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