Criton Wreck
| Field |
Value |
| Wreck Category |
dangerous wreck |
| Status |
existence doubtful
|
Criton Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM)
|
9 3.1 N,13 37.4 W |
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
|
- Latitude: 9.051667
- Longitude: -13.623333
|
| Water Depth |
20 m
|
| Water Level Effect |
always under water/submerged |
| Vertical Datum |
Lowest Astronomical Tide |
| Name |
CRITON |
|
Type
|
steam ship
|
| Flag |
GB |
| Length |
121.9 m |
| Width |
16.2 m |
| Draught |
7.6 |
| Tonnage |
4564 |
| Tonnage Type |
gross |
| Cargo |
ferrous elements and ores: unrefined and refined,ore
|
| Conspic Visual |
not visually conspicuous |
| Conspic Radar |
not radar conspicuous |
| Date Sunk |
Jun 20, 1941
|
| Original Detection Year |
1942 |
| Last Detection Year |
2004 |
| Original Source |
national HO/authority notice to mariners |
| Last Amended Date |
Aug 21, 2019 |
Simplified Wreck Survey
Underwater Wreck Report for SS Criton. The wreck of the cargo steamer SS Criton is located off the coast of Sierra Leone, near Freetown. The wreckage has been historically charted at various positions, with the most recent authoritative survey data identifying the site at coordinates 9 3.1 N, 13 37.4 W. Originally reported as a sunken vessel with two masts and crosstrees visible above the surface in approximately 10 to 10.5 fathoms of water, the status of the obstruction has evolved over time. While early reports from the 1940s confirmed the presence of a cargo steamer, a subsequent survey in 2004 using echosounder equipment and GPS failed to locate the wreck or any visible masts within the vicinity, leading to the designation being amended on nautical charts. The site is a historically significant maritime obstruction previously monitored by international hydrographic offices.
Surveying Details
H02774/41 28.5.42 H02774/41 28.5.42 VESSEL SUNK IN 090700N, 133700W IN 10FMS. 2 MASTS & CROSSTREES VISIBLE. (SO (I) FREETOWN, 29.4.42). INS DW (MASTS) PA. - NM 1116/42. H02774/41 5.6.42 H02774/41 5.6.42 WK OF CARGO STEAMER IN 090400N, 133900W APPROX. 2 MASTS & CROSSTREES VISIBLE, SHOWING 30FT ABOVE WATER. GEN DEPTH BY E/S 10.5FMS. POSN FIXED BY SUN & MERIDIAN ALTITUDE. (HMS ROCKROSE, HN 17.4.42). RETAIN AS CHARTED. NCA. H3713/47 10.6.47 H3713/47 10.6.47 MASTER OF MV DEIDO REPORTS WK OF FAIRLY LARGE STEAMER IN 090300N, 133730W. 2 MASTS SHOWING. CONFIRMED TO BE WK OF SS CRITON, PREVIOUSLY CHARTED AS DW PA 4M NORTH IN 090700N, 133700W. (RNO FREETOWN, 10,21.5.47; SHIPPING MASTER TAKORADI, 25.5.47; NSHQ, 29.5.47; ELDER DEMPSTER LINES LTD, 24.5.47; LLOYDS, 6.6.47; SIERRA LEONE NM 3/47). AMEND TO DW (MASTS) IN 090300N, 133730W. - NM 1432/47. H2994/71 16.7.73 H2994/71 16.7.73 WK STILL SHOWN IN 090700N, 133700W ON GER 834 [1973 EDN]. NCA. 28.3.89 28.3.89 SHOWN AS ST IN 090300N, 133800W ON FR 5979 [1954 EDN]. NCA. 26.3.91 26.3.91 SHOWN AS DW (MASTS) IN 090300N, 133800W ON US 51600. SHOWN AS ST IN 090306N, 133724W ON FR 5941 [MAR'53 EDN CORRRECT TO 0931-1987]. CHART AS DW (MASTS) IN 090306N, 133724W ON BA CHARTS. 26.3.91 26.3.91 INS DW (MASTS) IN 090306N, 133724W ON NC 612. HH426/400/03 16.4.04 HH426/400/03 16.4.04 NOT LOCATED BY E/S DURING CLOSE SEARCH POSITIONED BY GPS. NO MASTS VISIBLE WITHIN 10 MILE VISUAL RANGE. NOT KNOWN OF BY LOCAL FISHERMEN. (S VOLETTI, EMAIL DTD 14.4.04). AMEND DW ED. - NM 2434/04.
Circumstances of loss
EX-FRENCH VESSEL BUILT IN 1927. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY MINISTRY OF WAR TRANSPORT (SIR R ROPER & CO). PASSAGE PEPEL FOR BELFAST FOR BRITISH REGISTRATION. WAS SUNK BY GUNFIRE FROM VICHY FRENCH CRUISER AFTER STRAGGLING FROM CONVOY. (DODS, LL WW2).
WRECK MAP LOADING ...
9 3.1 N,13 37.4 W
Criton on Wreck Map
Criton Wreck on Google Map
FAQ
Where is the CRITON wreck located?
The CRITON wreck is located at coordinates 9 3.1 N,13 37.4 W.
How deep is the seabed around the CRITON?
The seabed around the CRITON lies at approximately 20 meters deep.
When did the CRITON sink?
The CRITON sank on Jun 20, 1941.
When was the wreck of the CRITON discovered?
The wreck of the CRITON was discovered in 1942.
What country did the CRITON belong to?
The CRITON belonged to GB.
What cargo was the CRITON carrying?
The CRITON was carrying ferrous elements and ores: unrefined and refined,ore.
What was the tonnage of the CRITON?
The CRITON had a tonnage of 4564 tons.
What type of wreck is the CRITON?
The CRITON is classified as a steam ship.