John Penn Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category non-dangerous wreck
John penn Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		9 23.896 S,160 3.518 E
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: -9.398267
  • Longitude: 160.058633
Wreck Depth 36 m
Water Depth 53 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name JOHN PENN
Type steam ship
Flag US
Length 137.2 m
Width 18.6 m
Draught 12.8
Tonnage 9360
Tonnage Type gross
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Sep 13, 1943
Bottom Texture Mud
Original Detection Year 1943
Last Detection Year 2025
Original Source other
Surveying Details H2774/45 13.6.45 H2774/45 13.6.45 DW LIES 031DEGS, 0.9M FROM LT, OR IN 092430S, 1600325E. (HYD BRANCH SYDNEY) - NM 1629/45. H6067/69 1.11.77 H6067/69 1.11.77 LOCAL SALVAGE DIVER REPORTS WK IS A FREIGHTER SPLIT INTO 2 SECTIONS, FORE & AFT, LYING IN DEPTHS IN EXCESS OF 35MTRS. (REF NA DTD 6.10.77) 11.3.85 11.3.85 NOW CHARTED IN 092340S, 1600305E. (AUTHORITY NOT STATED) NC 1713 H3844/87 26.8.87 H3844/87 26.8.87 WK OF USS JOHN PENN LOCATED IN 092330S, 1600324E BY LSMB SEALARK DURING 1986, USING MINI RANGER POSN FIXING. LEAST DEPTH BY E/S 36.0MTRS IN GEN DEPTH 53MTRS. (SOLOMON ISLANDS HYDRO SURVEY UNIT) -NM 2821/87..
Last Amended Date Aug 25, 2025

Circumstances of loss

TAKEN OVER BY US NAVY FOR USE AS TRANSPORT. BOMBED & SUNK BY JAPANESE AIRCRAFT OFF GUADALCANAL AFTER LANDING TROOPS & CARGO. (DODS)

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 9 23.896 S,160 3.518 E
John Penn on Wreck Map John Penn Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the JOHN PENN wreck located?

The JOHN PENN wreck is located at coordinates 9 23.896 S,160 3.518 E.

How deep is the JOHN PENN and where exactly is it located?

The JOHN PENN lies at a depth of about 36 meters and is located at coordinates 9 23.896 S,160 3.518 E.

How deep is the seabed around the JOHN PENN?

The seabed around the JOHN PENN lies at approximately 53 meters deep.

When did the JOHN PENN sink?

The JOHN PENN sank on Sep 13, 1943.

When was the wreck of the JOHN PENN discovered?

The wreck of the JOHN PENN was discovered in 1943.

What country did the JOHN PENN belong to?

The JOHN PENN belonged to US.

What was the tonnage of the JOHN PENN?

The JOHN PENN had a tonnage of 9360 tons.

What type of wreck is the JOHN PENN?

The JOHN PENN is classified as a steam ship.

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