Mtb 539 Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category non-dangerous wreck
Mtb 539 Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		53 32.96 N,4 8.025 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 53.549333
  • Longitude: -4.133750
Wreck Depth 39.15 m
Water Depth 43 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name MTB 539
Type torpedo boat
Flag GB
Length 22.3 m
Width 6.1 m
Draught 1.5
Sonar Length 24.6
Sonar Width 6.9
Shadow Height 4.3
Orientation 34
Tonnage 47
Tonnage Type displacement
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Original Detection Year 1987
Last Detection Year 2021
Original Source naval vessel
Surveying Details H3838/86 20.8.87 WK LOCATED IN 533256N, 040756W [OGB] USING HIFIX/6. LEAST E/S DEPTH 39.7; BY SONAR 39MTRS. FULL DETAILS WILL BE PROVIDED WHEN WIRE SWEPT. (HMS FAWN, HI 357). INS AS WK 39MTRS. - NM 2699/87. H3838/86 29.3.88 EXAM'D BY HMS BULLDOG WITH HYDROSEARCH. LEAST E/S DEPTH 39.7 IN GEN DEPTH 43MTRS. NO SCOUR. DCS3 HT 4.0MTRS; HYDROSEARCH VERTICAL HT 4.3MTRS, SHADOW HT 3.3MTRS. LENGTH 25MTRS, BEAM 7MTRS. UPRIGHT AND LYING 050/230 DEG. (HMS FAWN, HI 357). NFA. H100/351/01 23.11.89 DIVED 28.5.89 IN ALMOST NIL VISIBILITY. A SMALL WK, PROBABLY A COASTER OR TRAWLER. COMPLETELY INTACT AND UPRIGHT WITH BOW NE. HAS A SMALL WHEELHOUSE FOR'D AND WHAT APPEARS TO BE A MAST HAS FALLEN FROM THE FOREDECK ACROSS THE PORT BOW AND ANGLED TOWARDS STERN. (K HURLEY, 23.10.89). HH100/351/07 26.7.93 DIVED AGAIN RECENTLY IN GOOD UNDERWATER CONDITIONS. FOUND TO BE AN ALUMINIUM MOTOR TORPEDO BOAT, COMPLETELY INTACT. HAS FOUR TORPEDO TUBES, TWO ON EITHER BOW. ONLY DAMAGE FOUND WAS SLIGHT BULGING OF HULL ON QUARTER. HIGHEST POINT IS SMALL BRIDGE AREA. (K HURLEY, 22.7.93). HH100/351/10 13.7.95 DIVED IN SUMMER 1993, CONFIRMED AS ALUMINIUM MTB. AGAIN DIVED AND CONFIRMED AS MTB 539. (J SHAW). HH100/351/12 24.3.97 FURTHER DETAILS OF LOSS OF VESSEL PASSED. (SEE CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSS). (K HURLEY). SEP2022/000028019 12.04.22 EXAM'D 10.08.2021; IN 5332.960N, 0408.025W [WGD]. LEAST M/B DEPTH 39.15MTRS IN GEN DEPTH 43MTRS. LENGTH 24.6MTRS, WIDTH 6.9MTRS, HEIGHT 4.3MTRS, ORIENTATION 034/214 DEGS. UPRIGHT WRECK, HULL IS PARTIALLY BURIED. (CLINTON MARINE SURVEY AB, HI1507 - H525-7467). AMEND NDW 39MTRS IN REVISED POSN.
Last Amended Date Jan 12, 2023

Circumstances of loss

PROBABLY FOUNDERED. VESSEL WAS ONE OF SERIES BUILT BY VOSPERS, NUMBERED 523 TO 539. DISPLACEMENT OF 47 TONS. ARMED WITH 4 OFF 18 INCH TORPEDO TUBES, 2 OFF 20MM AA GUNS, 4 OFF MACHINE GUNS. POWERED BY 3 PACKARD ENGINES OF 3,960 HP TOTAL. CREW OF 13. VESSEL WAS ON TRIALS FROM BEAUMARIS WHEN AN ENGINE BLEW UP, MAKING A HOLE IN THE HULL CAUSING THE VESSEL TO SINK. WAS OF ALUMINIUM CONSTRUCTION AND WAS THE ONLY ONE OF ITS TYPE AND SERIES. AT THE TIME OF LOSS IT WAS NOT ARMED.

General Comments

Upright wreck, hull is partially buried.

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 53 32.96 N,4 8.025 W
Mtb 539 on Wreck Map Mtb 539 Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the MTB 539 wreck located?

The MTB 539 wreck is located at coordinates 53 32.96 N,4 8.025 W.

How deep is the MTB 539 and where exactly is it located?

The MTB 539 lies at a depth of about 39.15 meters and is located at coordinates 53 32.96 N,4 8.025 W.

How deep is the seabed around the MTB 539?

The seabed around the MTB 539 lies at approximately 43 meters deep.

When was the wreck of the MTB 539 discovered?

The wreck of the MTB 539 was discovered in 1987.

What country did the MTB 539 belong to?

The MTB 539 belonged to GB.

What was the tonnage of the MTB 539?

The MTB 539 had a tonnage of 47 tons.

What type of wreck is the MTB 539?

The MTB 539 is classified as a torpedo boat.

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