Ross Tern Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category dangerous wreck
Status Dead = Not detected by numerous sources therefore considered not to exist
Ross tern Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		58 44.109 N,3 3.961 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 58.735150
  • Longitude: -3.066017
Water Depth 10 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name ROSS TERN
Type trawler
Flag GB
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Feb 9, 1973
Original Detection Year 1973
Last Detection Year 1985
Original Source Lloyd's and Marine Underwriter's reports
Last Amended Date Feb 21, 2005

Simplified Wreck Survey

The shipwreck ROSS TERN is located at coordinates 58 44.109 N, 3 3.961 W off the coast of Swona in the Pentland Firth, Orkney. The vessel originally stranded at Tarf Tail, Swona, on February 12, 1973, before subsequently sinking and being declared a total loss. Historical survey data indicates the wreck site was once considered a navigational hazard, though later reports from BUE Subsea suggest the remains plot within the reef off the south coast of Swona. While early records classified the site as a standard wreck, its current status reflects its integration into the natural reef environment of the Pentland Firth. Searchers and mariners should note that the ROSS TERN is no longer considered a significant obstruction to navigation in this area.

Surveying Details

12.2.73 12.2.73 STRANDED AT TARF TAIL, SWONA, PENTLAND FIRTH, ORKNEY & SUBSEQUENTLY SANK. (LL 211). 15.2.73 15.2.73 CONSIDERED A TOTAL WK. (LL 211). 15.2.73 15.2.73 POSN 584408N, 030352W. (CG KIRKWALL, SIGNAL DTD 15.2.73). INS AS ST. BR STD. H2925/83 21.1.85 H2925/83 21.1.85 NOT REFERRED TO IN R OF S. REPORTED POSN PLOTS WITHIN REEF OF S COAST OF SWONA. (BUE SUBSEA, HI 204). DELETE. BR STD.

Circumstances of loss

STRANDED. OWNED BY BRITISH UNITED TRAWLERS OF ABERDEEN AT TIME OF LOSS. (LLOYDS).

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 58 44.109 N,3 3.961 W
Ross Tern on Wreck Map Ross Tern Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the ROSS TERN wreck located?

The ROSS TERN wreck is located at coordinates 58 44.109 N,3 3.961 W.

How deep is the seabed around the ROSS TERN?

The seabed around the ROSS TERN lies at approximately 10 meters deep.

When did the ROSS TERN sink?

The ROSS TERN sank on Feb 9, 1973.

When was the wreck of the ROSS TERN discovered?

The wreck of the ROSS TERN was discovered in 1973.

What country did the ROSS TERN belong to?

The ROSS TERN belonged to GB.

What type of wreck is the ROSS TERN?

The ROSS TERN is classified as a trawler.

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