Preussen Wreck
| Field |
Value |
| Wreck Category |
wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure |
Preussen Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM)
|
51 8.069 N,1 22.025 E |
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
|
- Latitude: 51.134483
- Longitude: 1.367083
|
| Wreck Depth |
-2.3 m
|
| Water Depth |
3 m
|
| Water Level Effect |
covers and uncovers |
| Vertical Datum |
Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide |
| Name |
PREUSSEN |
|
Type
|
sailing vessel
|
| Flag |
DE |
| Length |
124.4 m |
| Width |
16.2 m |
| Draught |
8.2 |
| Sonar Length |
65 |
| Sonar Width |
20 |
| Tonnage |
5081 |
| Tonnage Type |
gross |
| Cargo |
general and mixed goods,cement
|
| Conspic Visual |
not visually conspicuous |
| Conspic Radar |
not radar conspicuous |
| Date Sunk |
Nov 6, 1910
|
| Bottom Texture |
Rock |
| Scour Dimensions |
,,001.0, |
| Original Detection Year |
1932 |
| Last Detection Year |
2010 |
| Original Source |
other |
| Last Amended Date |
Jan 24, 2011 |
Simplified Wreck Survey
The shipwreck Preussen is located off the coast of Kent near the South Foreland lighthouse at coordinates 51 8.069 N, 1 22.025 E. This historic underwater obstruction was originally surveyed in 1932 and has been subject to extensive monitoring and survey reports over the decades. The wreck is documented as being completely broken up, with the majority of the steel wreckage lying within a localized scour. Modern surveys confirm the site features a debris field measuring approximately 65 meters by 20 meters, with at least one mast remaining upright next to the scour. The remains of the hull, including steel plating and ribs, are visible at low tide, with the structure currently drying to a height of 2.32 meters. Due to its status as a significant underwater hazard, the Preussen remains a charted obstruction for maritime navigation near the English Channel. Divers and mariners should note that the wreckage is scattered in a broadside orientation relative to the nearby cliffs. The site has been historically recorded under various hydrographic surveys confirming its structural degradation over time from a visible vessel to the current broken steel debris field.
Surveying Details
H5468/32 12.8.32 SANK IN POSN 3.5-4C TO SW OF S FORELAND LTHO. (TH, 9.8.32). NCA YET. H5468/32 7.10.32 ST IN 510801N, 012210E. FIXED BY BEARING AND DISTANCE. (TH EX 3144/32). BR STD. H5824/60 1.3.61 CONFIRMED AT LW ONLY A FEW SPARS STILL SHOWING. (HMS SCOTT, 1960). 28.9.66 LTR FROM MR R A BELL REFERRING TO SALVAGE. (N/CP57738/66). SEE ALSO WK [13653] 'NOTRE DAME DE LOURDES' IN 510801N, 012210E. H4453/72 19.4.79 EXAM'D 11.4.78 VISUALLY BY SMB IN 510802N, 012211E [OGB] USING HIFIX AND TRISPONDER. OBSERVED TO DRY AT 1200A, 11.4.78, WHICH GIVES DRYING HT 3.9MTRS [LAT] IN GEN DEPTH 0.7MTRS. (HMS ENTERPRISE, HI 53/77). BR STD. 11.6.90 ONLY RIBS OF HULL NOW SHOW AT LW. (ROYAL ENGINEERS, DOVER, TELECON 11.6.90). NCA. HH090/606/01 31.1.94 EXAM'D VISUALLY 21.10.93 IN LISTED POSN. TWO MASTS, ABOUT 10MTRS APART, VISIBLE AND DRYING ABOUT 3MTRS. RECOMMEND RETAIN AS CHARTED. (NP 1006, HI 606). NCA. HH090/647/01 1.8.96 LOCATED, NOT EXAMINED. TWO MASTS SIGHTED AT LW. (NP 1016, HI 647). NCA. 23.4.99 WRECKAGE LIES BROADSIDE TO CLIFFS. LARGE AMOUNT OF STEEL PLATE. SOME RIBS SHOW AT LWS. (DIVER MAGAZINE APRIL 1999). 24.1.11 LOCATED 2010 IN 5108.069N, 0122.025E [WGD]. NOW DRIES 2.32MTRS. COMLETELY BROKEN UP WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE WRECKAGE LYING IN A SCOUR, ALTHOUGH A MAST IS UPRIGHT NEXT TO THE SCOUR. DEBRIS FIELD COVERS 65MTRS BY 20MTRS. (NETSURVEY, HI 1341). AMEND ST DRIES 2.3MTRS IN REVISED POSN. BR STD.
Circumstances of loss
AT TIME OF LOSS WAS THE LARGEST SAILING VESSEL IN THE WORLD. COLLIDED WITH CROSS-CHANNEL SS 'BRIGHTON' AND SPRANG A LEAK. PUT BACK TO NEWHAVEN, ANCHORED OFF DUNGENESS BUT CABLES PARTED AND VESSEL WAS DRIVEN OUT TO SEA. TUGS TOOK HER IN TOW BUT CABLES SNAPPED AND SHE WENT ASHORE, BREAKING IN TWO. VESSEL, BUILT 1902, WAS ON PASSAGE HAMBURG TO VALPARAISO, OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY LAEISZ & CO. (DODS).
WRECK MAP LOADING ...
51 8.069 N,1 22.025 E
Preussen on Wreck Map
Preussen Wreck on Google Map
FAQ
Where is the PREUSSEN wreck located?
The PREUSSEN wreck is located at coordinates 51 8.069 N,1 22.025 E.
How deep is the PREUSSEN and where exactly is it located?
The PREUSSEN lies at a depth of about -2.3 meters and is located at coordinates 51 8.069 N,1 22.025 E.
How deep is the seabed around the PREUSSEN?
The seabed around the PREUSSEN lies at approximately 3 meters deep.
When did the PREUSSEN sink?
The PREUSSEN sank on Nov 6, 1910.
When was the wreck of the PREUSSEN discovered?
The wreck of the PREUSSEN was discovered in 1932.
What country did the PREUSSEN belong to?
The PREUSSEN belonged to DE.
What cargo was the PREUSSEN carrying?
The PREUSSEN was carrying general and mixed goods,cement.
What was the tonnage of the PREUSSEN?
The PREUSSEN had a tonnage of 5081 tons.
What type of wreck is the PREUSSEN?
The PREUSSEN is classified as a sailing vessel.
General Comments
BROKEN UP, DEBRIS LYING IN SCOUR, MAST STILL STANDING