Nicholas C. Wreck
| Field |
Value |
| Wreck Category |
non-dangerous wreck |
Nicholas c. Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM)
|
20 1 S,38 49 E |
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
|
- Latitude: -20.016667
- Longitude: 38.816667
|
| Water Depth |
2550 m
|
| Water Level Effect |
always under water/submerged |
| Vertical Datum |
Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide |
| Name |
NICHOLAS C. |
|
Type
|
bulk carrier
|
| Flag |
PA |
| Length |
174.7 m |
| Width |
22.9 m |
| Draught |
13.4 |
| Tonnage |
13488 |
| Tonnage Type |
gross |
| Cargo |
grain
|
| Conspic Visual |
not visually conspicuous |
| Conspic Radar |
not radar conspicuous |
| Original Detection Year |
1975 |
| Original Source |
Lloyd's and Marine Underwriter's reports |
| Last Amended Date |
Sep 10, 2003 |
Simplified Wreck Survey
The shipwreck Nicholas C is located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique at coordinates 20 1 S, 38 49 E. The vessel was a Spanish cargo ship that foundered following engine failure in July 1975. Initial reports indicated the ship was sinking by the stern before it was ultimately presumed lost at sea. Despite extensive air and sea searches by tug vessels, the wreckage site remains identified at the 20 1 S, 38 49 E position. This underwater obstruction is officially recorded by the UK Hydrographic Office as a total loss. While the specific structural condition of the Nicholas C is not detailed, it is categorized as a submerged maritime wreck site within the region of the Mozambique Channel.
Surveying Details
9.7.75 REPORT THAT FRENCH S TANKER 'PORTHOS' HAVE PICKED UP MASTER & 27 SPANISH CREW OF 'NICHOLAS C' ON 5.7.75 IN 200100S, 384900E APPROX. VESSEL SUPPOSEDLY SANK. LATER, REPORT THAT VESSEL STILL AFLOAT BUT SINKING BY THE STERN. TUG 'BARBARA' SEARCHING FOR VESSEL BUT SO FAR NOT SEEN. (LL 8.7.75). NCA. 11.7.75 AIR SEARCH CONDUCTED WITH NO TRACE OF VESSEL, NOW PRESUMED LOST. AS A RESULT OF LOCATING AN OIL SLICK IN 200000S, 382000E THOUGHT TO BE ONLY POSN POSSIBLE FOR SITE OF SINKING. (LL 10 & 11.7.75). NCA. 14.6.76 REPORT THAT VESSEL FOUNDERED IN 200100S, 384900E AFTER ENGINE FAILURE. (LLOYDS CASUALTY RETURNS 6.9.75). NCA.
Circumstances of loss
BUILT IN 1944 BY SUN SHIP BUILDING & DRY DOCK CO, CHESTER, PA. NEW FWD AND CARGO SECTION BUILT IN 1963 BY CANTIERI NAVALI DE TARANTO, TARANTO. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY OBO TANKER CORP. PASSAGE SOREL, QUEBEC FOR BASRA. HAD A COMPLETE BOILER BREAKDOWN WHICH LEFT VESSEL ADRIFT SOME 200M FROM BEIRA. AFTER DRIFTING HELPLESSLY FOR 13 DAYS THE CREW ABANDONED SHIP AFTER SHE BEGAN TO SINK DUE TO WATER IN THE ENGINE-ROOM. THE CREW WERE SAFELY PICKED UP, BUT THE VESSEL WAS NOT SEEN AGAIN AND PRESUMED TO HAVE SUNK SHORTLY AFTER BEING ABANDONED. (MSD)..
WRECK MAP LOADING ...
20 1 S,38 49 E
Nicholas C. on Wreck Map
Nicholas C. Wreck on Google Map
FAQ
Where is the NICHOLAS C. wreck located?
The NICHOLAS C. wreck is located at coordinates 20 1 S,38 49 E.
How deep is the seabed around the NICHOLAS C.?
The seabed around the NICHOLAS C. lies at approximately 2550 meters deep.
When was the wreck of the NICHOLAS C. discovered?
The wreck of the NICHOLAS C. was discovered in 1975.
What country did the NICHOLAS C. belong to?
The NICHOLAS C. belonged to PA.
What cargo was the NICHOLAS C. carrying?
The NICHOLAS C. was carrying grain.
What was the tonnage of the NICHOLAS C.?
The NICHOLAS C. had a tonnage of 13488 tons.
What type of wreck is the NICHOLAS C.?
The NICHOLAS C. is classified as a bulk carrier.