Hms Birkenhead Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category dangerous wreck
Hms birkenhead Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		34 38.767 S,19 17.2 E
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: -34.646117
  • Longitude: 19.286667
Water Depth 22 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name HMS BIRKENHEAD
Type steam ship
Flag GB
Length 64 m
Width 11.4 m
Tonnage 1400
Tonnage Type gross
Cargo general and mixed goods,personnel,animals (land & sea) and birds,non-ferrous elements and ores: unrefined and refined
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Feb 26, 1852
Bottom Texture Rock
Original Detection Year 1852
Last Detection Year 1980
Original Source other
Surveying Details 2.5.72 2.5.72 WRECK IN 343846S, 191712E. (DODS). NCA, POSN FOR FILING ONLY. H6872/68 H6872/68 REQUEST FROM MR.VALENTINE OF SCOTIA INTERNATIONAL FOR PERMISSION TO CARRY OUT A DIVING SURVEY, SUBSEQUENTLY CANCELLED THROUGH LACK OF FUNDS. H1286/80/274 13.11.80 13.11.80 THREE SALVAGE ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE ROYAL NAVY IN 1859, 1893 & 1958. (MR J.P.RUSSELL, TELECOM 13.11.80, SEE H1286/80/274).
Last Amended Date May 21, 2010

Circumstances of loss

EX- VULCAN. BUILT BY LAIRDS, COMPLETED IN 1845 FOR SERVICE AS AN AUXILIARY STEAM FRIGATE. CONVERTED IN 1848 TO A TROOPSHIP WITH 556IHP. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY THE BRITISH GOVERMENT. PASSAGE CORK FOR PORT ELIZABETH. THE VESSEL WAS CARRYING 638 PERSONS INCLUDING 479 TROOPS FOR THE 8TH KAFFIR WAR. SHE STRUCK AN UNCHARTED ROCK DURING THE NIGHT, OFF DANGER POINT IN FALSE BAY. 445 PEOPLE WERE DROWNED OR ATTACKED BY SHARKS, 193 PEOPLE WERE RESCUED INCLUDING ALL WOMEN & CHILDREN. (DODS)

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 34 38.767 S,19 17.2 E
Hms Birkenhead on Wreck Map Hms Birkenhead Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the HMS BIRKENHEAD wreck located?

The HMS BIRKENHEAD wreck is located at coordinates 34 38.767 S,19 17.2 E.

How deep is the seabed around the HMS BIRKENHEAD?

The seabed around the HMS BIRKENHEAD lies at approximately 22 meters deep.

When did the HMS BIRKENHEAD sink?

The HMS BIRKENHEAD sank on Feb 26, 1852.

When was the wreck of the HMS BIRKENHEAD discovered?

The wreck of the HMS BIRKENHEAD was discovered in 1852.

What country did the HMS BIRKENHEAD belong to?

The HMS BIRKENHEAD belonged to GB.

What cargo was the HMS BIRKENHEAD carrying?

The HMS BIRKENHEAD was carrying general and mixed goods,personnel,animals (land & sea) and birds,non-ferrous elements and ores: unrefined and refined.

What was the tonnage of the HMS BIRKENHEAD?

The HMS BIRKENHEAD had a tonnage of 1400 tons.

What type of wreck is the HMS BIRKENHEAD?

The HMS BIRKENHEAD is classified as a steam ship.

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