Christena Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category dangerous wreck
Christena Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		17 12.517 N,62 40.32 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 17.208617
  • Longitude: -62.672000
Water Depth 22 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name CHRISTENA
Type ferry
Flag KN
Length 20.1 m
Tonnage 34
Tonnage Type gross
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Aug 1, 1970
Bottom Texture Coral
Original Detection Year 1970
Last Detection Year 2006
Original Source Lloyd's and Marine Underwriter's reports
Last Amended Date Apr 21, 2006

Simplified Wreck Survey

The wreck of the MV Christena is located off the southeast point of St. Kitts near Nags Head in the Caribbean Sea. This underwater obstruction, identified as the ferry Christena, capsized and sank stern-first on August 21, 1970, in approximately 11 fathoms of water. Official hydrographic records from the UK Hydrographic Office and historical updates have refined the wreck site over time. The most recent established survey position for the Christena is 17 12.517 N, 62 40.32 W. Historical reports from HMS Sirius during initial recovery operations noted the sinking site near the southeast coast of St. Kitts. Various survey entries from 1971, 1977, 1990, and 2006 have updated these maritime coordinates to ensure accurate navigation and wreck identification.

Surveying Details

21.8.70 21.8.70 CAPSIZED & SANK STERN-FIRST IN APPROX 11 FMS ABOUT 0.75M FROM SE POINT OF ST KITTS, OFF NAGS HD. (LLOYDS VOL. 201). H5508/59 18.1.71 H5508/59 18.1.71 HMS SIRIUS, RECOVERING BODIES FROM FERRY, GIVES SINKING POSN AS 171237N, 623930W. (HMS SIRIUS, HN). INS AS DW. - NM 152/71. 17.11.77 17.11.77 NAS POSN: 171228N, 624021W. 9.11.90 9.11.90 WGD POSN: 171230N, 624018W. NC 584. 21.4.06 21.4.06 WGD POSN: 1712.517N, 6240.320W. NE 489.

Circumstances of loss

GOVERNMENT OWNED INTER-ISLAND FERRY. STEEL HULL, WOODEN SUPERSTRUCTURE. CAPSIZED SUDDENLY AND SANK STERN FIRST IN CALM WEATHER WHILE ON PASSAGE BASSETERRE, ST KITTS FOR CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS. WAS OVERLOADED WITH PASSENGERS. 92 SAVED, OVER 200 DROWNED OR MISSING. (LLOYDS VOL.201).

General Comments

STEEL HULL, WOODEN SUPERSTRUCTURE

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 17 12.517 N,62 40.32 W
Christena on Wreck Map Christena Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the CHRISTENA wreck located?

The CHRISTENA wreck is located at coordinates 17 12.517 N,62 40.32 W.

How deep is the seabed around the CHRISTENA?

The seabed around the CHRISTENA lies at approximately 22 meters deep.

When did the CHRISTENA sink?

The CHRISTENA sank on Aug 1, 1970.

When was the wreck of the CHRISTENA discovered?

The wreck of the CHRISTENA was discovered in 1970.

What country did the CHRISTENA belong to?

The CHRISTENA belonged to KN.

What was the tonnage of the CHRISTENA?

The CHRISTENA had a tonnage of 34 tons.

What type of wreck is the CHRISTENA?

The CHRISTENA is classified as a ferry.

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