Gripfast Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category non-dangerous wreck
Gripfast Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM)
50 26.032 N,2 30.065 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 50.433867
  • Longitude: -2.501083
Wreck Depth 34 m
Water Depth 46 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name GRIPFAST
Type steam ship
Flag GB
Length 68.6 m
Width 11 m
Draught 4.3
Orientation 90
Tonnage 1109
Tonnage Type gross
Cargo coal
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Jul 9, 1942
Original Detection Year 1944
Last Detection Year 2003
Original Source naval vessel
Surveying Details SONAR CONTACT IN PA 502612N, 023012W. (AUBD 303/14, ESCORT GROUP 4). H3971/52 30.6.52 INS NDWPA IN 502612N, 023012W. F 6840. H4623/55 20.7.55 LOCATED IN 502557N, 022958W USING DECCA. LEAST E/S DEPTH 19FMS IN GEN DEPTH 25FMS. DIRN 090/270DEGS. GOOD A/S RESPONSE. (HMS SCOTT, 16.10.54). INS WK 19FMS IN REVISED POSN. LC 3315. H3564/61 20.7.61 GOOD CLEAR ECHO BUT DID NOT MARK WELL ON RANGE RECORDER. LOST ON BOTH RUNS AT 7-800YDS. (CAPTAIN F2, PORTLAND). H3950/70 24.5.71 HAMEND TO WK 34MTRS. NC 3315. H5982/82 3.2.83 WK SHOWN IN 502607N, 023012W ON KINGFISHER CHART K(SW)1, 1982. NCA. HH100/351/21 15.10.03 DIVED IN LISTED POSN. POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED BY THE BELL. PARTLY INTACT WITH GUN AND MOUNT ON SEABED. SHELLS DATED 1941 INSIDE THE STERN. UPRIGHT BUT PART OF MIDSHIPS DECK INVERTED ON STBD SIDE. BOWS INTACT BUT FOC'S'LE COLLAPSED. PROPELLER BLADES MISSING AND ENGINE TILTED 15 DEGS TO STBD. (N R CHIPCHASE & I TAYLOR, SKIN DEEP DIVING). NCA. HH090/961/01 3.12.03 NOT INVESTIGATED. LIES IN AREA OF STATIC FISHING GEAR. (GARDLINE, HI 961). NCA. H100/351/21 7.1.04 LIES IN 5026.032N, 0230.065W [WGD]. (N R CHIPCHASE & I TAYLOR, SKIN DEEP DIVING). AMEND POSN. BR STD.
Last Amended Date Jan 7, 2004

Circumstances of loss

BUILT IN 1910. AN SS, SINGLE SHAFT. PASSAGE BARRY FOR SHEERNESS. ATTACKED BY GERMAN AIRCRAFT. EIGHT MEN LOST INCLUDING THREE FROM SS ROSTEN SUNK EARLIER THE SAME DAY BY E BOATS. (SIBI).

General Comments

PARTLY INTACT

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 50 26.032 N,2 30.065 W
Gripfast on Wreck Map Gripfast Wreck on Google Map

Nearby Wrecks:

FAQ

Where is the GRIPFAST wreck located?

The GRIPFAST wreck is located at coordinates 50 26.032 N,2 30.065 W.

How deep is the GRIPFAST and where exactly is it located?

The GRIPFAST lies at a depth of about 34 meters and is located at coordinates 50 26.032 N,2 30.065 W.

How deep is the seabed around the GRIPFAST?

The seabed around the GRIPFAST lies at approximately 46 meters deep.

When did the GRIPFAST sink?

The GRIPFAST sank on Jul 9, 1942.

When was the wreck of the GRIPFAST discovered?

The wreck of the GRIPFAST was discovered in 1944.

What country did the GRIPFAST belong to?

The GRIPFAST belonged to GB.

What cargo was the GRIPFAST carrying?

The GRIPFAST was carrying coal.

What was the tonnage of the GRIPFAST?

The GRIPFAST had a tonnage of 1109 tons.

What type of wreck is the GRIPFAST?

The GRIPFAST is classified as a steam ship.