Mercator Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure
Mercator Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		8 28.265 N,13 10 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 8.471083
  • Longitude: -13.166667
Water Depth 8 m
Water Level Effect covers and uncovers
Vertical Datum Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name MERCATOR
Type carrier
Flag PA
Length 72 m
Width 10.6 m
Draught 5.3
Tonnage 1101
Tonnage Type gross
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Apr 16, 1985
Original Detection Year 1985
Last Detection Year 2001
Original Source Lloyd's and Marine Underwriter's reports
Last Amended Date Aug 21, 2019

Simplified Wreck Survey

The shipwreck Mercator is located in the River Bunce, Sierra Leone, at coordinates 8 28.265 N, 13 10.000 W. This underwater obstruction lies in a nearly upright position, with its mast visible at high tide, and is situated due east of the Texaco Jetty, well clear of the buoyed channel to Pepel. Historical survey records indicate the vessel lies on its starboard side alongside three other wrecks in the area. Salvage efforts for the Mercator were deemed unlikely following its sinking, and it remains documented as a charted navigation hazard in the River Bunce region.

Surveying Details

H5491/69 9.5.85 H5491/69 9.5.85 SANK IN NEARLY UPRIGHT POSITION IN RIVER BUNCE, CLEAR OF ANY SHIPPING. MAST SHOWS AT HIGH WATER. (LL 19.4.85). NCA. H5491/69 17.6.85 H5491/69 17.6.85 NO ATTEMPT TO SALVAGE VESSEL IS EXPECTED. (LL 22.5.85). H5491/69 5.8.85 H5491/69 5.8.85 WK LIES, TOGETHER WITH 3 OTHER WKS, DUE E OF TEXACO JETTY AND WELL CLEAR OF BUOYED CHANNEL TO PEPEL. SALVAGE UNLIKELY. (J E CAY, 21.7.85). H5491/69 17.9.85 H5491/69 17.9.85 SANK 1.5MILES OFF TEXACO OIL JETTY. (LL 19.8.85). NCA. HH090/956/01 19.3.02 HH090/956/01 19.3.02 LOCATED IN 0828.265N, 1310.000W [WGD] USING DGPS. LIES ON STBD SIDE. (HMS BEAGLE, HI 956). INS AS ST. BR STD.

Circumstances of loss

BUILT IN 1952 BY SCHIFFBAU-GES. UNDERWESER AG. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY W AFRICAN SHIPPING AGENCY. STARTED TAKING WATER INTO ENGINE ROOM WHILE OFF FREETOWN. WAS TOWED UP TO R BUNCE, CLEAR OF OTHER SHIPPING. LEAK COULD NOT BE CHECKED. ABANDONED BY CREW AND SANK.

General Comments

ON STBD SIDE

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 8 28.265 N,13 10 W
Mercator on Wreck Map Mercator Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the MERCATOR wreck located?

The MERCATOR wreck is located at coordinates 8 28.265 N,13 10 W.

How deep is the seabed around the MERCATOR?

The seabed around the MERCATOR lies at approximately 8 meters deep.

When did the MERCATOR sink?

The MERCATOR sank on Apr 16, 1985.

When was the wreck of the MERCATOR discovered?

The wreck of the MERCATOR was discovered in 1985.

What country did the MERCATOR belong to?

The MERCATOR belonged to PA.

What was the tonnage of the MERCATOR?

The MERCATOR had a tonnage of 1101 tons.

What type of wreck is the MERCATOR?

The MERCATOR is classified as a carrier.

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