Klipfontein Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category non-dangerous wreck
Status Dead = Not detected by numerous sources therefore considered not to exist
Klipfontein Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		24 31.917 S,35 16 E
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: -24.531950
  • Longitude: 35.266667
Water Depth 40 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name KLIPFONTEIN
Type liner
Flag NL
Length 152.1 m
Width 19.2 m
Draught 10.1
Tonnage 10555
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Jan 8, 1953
Original Detection Year 1953
Last Detection Year 2016
Original Source national HO/authority notice to mariners
Last Amended Date Dec 1, 2016

Simplified Wreck Survey

The shipwreck Klipfontein is located at coordinates 24 31.917 S, 35 16 E off the coast of Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. Historical hydrographic survey records from the UK Hydrographic Office detail the site history beginning in February 1953 when salvage operations were conducted by Risdon Beazley. Initially classified as a dangerous wreck, it was later updated after operations determined it was no longer a danger to navigation. Salvage work was fully completed by June 1953, and the position was subsequently updated on maritime charts in 1956.

Surveying Details

H418/53 20.2.53 DW IN 243145S, 351540E. (RISDON BEAZLEY). INS AS DW. - NM 415/53. H954/53 21.2.53 SALVAGE OPS TAKING PLACE. (RISDON BEAZLEY). - TNM 416/53. H418/53 19.3.53 NO LONGER A DANGER TO NAVIGATION. (RISDON BEAZLEY). AMEND TO NDW. - NM 646/53. H418/53 23.6.53 SALVAGE OPERATIONS COMPLETED. (RISDON BEAZLEY). - NM 1364/53. 30.5.56 NOW CHARTED IN 243155S, 351600E. (AUTHORITY UNKNOWN). NC 2931. 5.5.87 NOT SHOWN ON PORT 437 [1966 EDN]. NCA.

Circumstances of loss

BUILT IN 1939 BY N V MCH & SCHEEPSWRF VAN P SMIT JR. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY VEREENIGDE NEDERLANDSCHE SCHEEPV MAATS. OIL ENGINE OF 2053 NHP FOR 17KTS. PASSAGE LOURENCO MARQUES FOR BEIRA. STRUCK A SUBMERGED REEF. AN EXPLOSION WAS CAUSED IN THE FORWARD OIL TANK. SANK 45 MINUTES LATER AFTER ALL PASSENGERS & CREW WERE RESCUED BY A PASSING LINER. (DODS).

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 24 31.917 S,35 16 E
Klipfontein on Wreck Map Klipfontein Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the KLIPFONTEIN wreck located?

The KLIPFONTEIN wreck is located at coordinates 24 31.917 S,35 16 E.

How deep is the seabed around the KLIPFONTEIN?

The seabed around the KLIPFONTEIN lies at approximately 40 meters deep.

When did the KLIPFONTEIN sink?

The KLIPFONTEIN sank on Jan 8, 1953.

When was the wreck of the KLIPFONTEIN discovered?

The wreck of the KLIPFONTEIN was discovered in 1953.

What country did the KLIPFONTEIN belong to?

The KLIPFONTEIN belonged to NL.

What was the tonnage of the KLIPFONTEIN?

The KLIPFONTEIN had a tonnage of 10555 tons.

What type of wreck is the KLIPFONTEIN?

The KLIPFONTEIN is classified as a liner.

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