Merche (Probably) Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure
Merche (probably) Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		4 54.905 N,1 44.525 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 4.915083
  • Longitude: -1.742083
Water Depth -1 m
Water Level Effect covers and uncovers
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name MERCHE (PROBABLY)
Type motor vessel
Flag ES
Length 39.6 m
Width 7.3 m
Draught 2.7
Tonnage 326
Conspic Visual visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Jun 8, 1975
Original Detection Year 1975
Last Detection Year 2010
Original Source Lloyd's and Marine Underwriter's reports
Last Amended Date Aug 21, 2019

Simplified Wreck Survey

The wreck of the vessel identified as Merche is located off the coast of Takoradi, Ghana, in the Gulf of Guinea. The underwater obstruction is positioned at coordinates 4 54.905 N, 1 44.525 W. Historical surveying records indicate the ship originally grounded while on passage from Lagos to Dakar. Over the decades, the wreck has deteriorated significantly, characterized as a rusty hull that is well broken up and deteriorating in the surf zone. The site has been subject to multiple hydrographic surveys and geo-referencing efforts to confirm its position for maritime navigation safety. The obstruction remains a known navigational hazard near the Takoradi coastline, documented as a visible or shallow-water wreck site.

Surveying Details

GROUNDED APPROX 3M E OF TAKORADI, WHILST ON PASSAGE LAGOS FOR DAKAR. (LLOYDS VOL.220). 13.8.75 STILL AGROUND & BEGINNING TO BREAK UP. (LL, 13.8.75). H2995/71 10.10.75 H2995/71 10.10.75 ST PA (CONSPIC) SHOWN IN 045444.4N, 014431.8W [GHANA WAR OFFICE SPHEROID] ON SURVEY [K8029]. ON BEACH, RUSTY HULL & BREAKING UP. (HMS HERALD, HI 31/78). INS AS STPA (CONSPIC). - NM 2488/78. 27.1.10 27.1.10 [WGD] POSN BY GEO-REFERENCING: 0454.908N, 0144.552W. NE 3113. 13.6.10 13.6.10 [WGD] POSN: 0454.905N, 0144.525W. NE 3102.

Circumstances of loss

GROUNDED APPROX 3M E OF TAKORADI. PASSAGE LAGOS FOR DAKAR. LATER BROKE UP. (LLOYDS VOL.220).

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 4 54.905 N,1 44.525 W
Merche (Probably) on Wreck Map Merche (Probably) Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the MERCHE (PROBABLY) wreck located?

The MERCHE (PROBABLY) wreck is located at coordinates 4 54.905 N,1 44.525 W.

When did the MERCHE (PROBABLY) sink?

The MERCHE (PROBABLY) sank on Jun 8, 1975.

When was the wreck of the MERCHE (PROBABLY) discovered?

The wreck of the MERCHE (PROBABLY) was discovered in 1975.

What country did the MERCHE (PROBABLY) belong to?

The MERCHE (PROBABLY) belonged to ES.

What was the tonnage of the MERCHE (PROBABLY)?

The MERCHE (PROBABLY) had a tonnage of 326 tons.

What type of wreck is the MERCHE (PROBABLY)?

The MERCHE (PROBABLY) is classified as a motor vessel.

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