Springfontein Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category dangerous wreck
Springfontein Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM)
8 31.485 N,13 12.227 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 8.524750
  • Longitude: -13.203783
Water Depth 7 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name SPRINGFONTEIN
Type steam ship
Flag NL
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Jan 4, 1941
Original Detection Year 1943
Last Detection Year 1961
Original Source national HO/authority notice to mariners
Last Amended Date Aug 21, 2019

Simplified Wreck Survey

The shipwreck SPRINGFONTEIN is located off the coast of Freetown, Sierra Leone, near the Atlantic entrance to the Sierra Leone River. The wreck site is centered at coordinates 8 31.485 N, 13 12.227 W. Historically reported as a prominent obstruction featuring a conspicuous funnel and mast, the vessel structure has degraded significantly over time. Following survey data from the UK Hydrographic Office, the mast and funnel were reported no longer visible as of 1961, and subsequent surveys in 2002 confirmed that the wreck of the SPRINGFONTEIN no longer shows at any state of the tide and is considered cleared from the navigation area. Navigational charts indicate the obstruction is no longer a surface hazard at these specific geographical coordinates.

Surveying Details

H2071/43 14.7.43 H2071/43 14.7.43 ST FUNNEL (CONSPIC) IN 083117N, 131208W. (ADMIRALTY). - NM 1469/43. H2071/43 27.8.58 H2071/43 27.8.58 DW (MAST) IN 083146N, 131214W. (MV WHEATFIELD HN 3/58). BR STD. H2578/58 11.1.61 H2578/58 11.1.61 CONFIRMATION OF ABOVE. (ASHANTI PALM HN 2/60). NCA. H2461/61 6.7.61 H2461/61 6.7.61 MAST & FUNNEL NO LONGER VISIBLE. (HMS OWEN HN 10/61). DELETE LEGEND 'FUNNEL (CONSPIC)'. - NM 1478/61. H5491/69 1.2.72 H5491/69 1.2.72 [SIL] POSN: 083128.5N, 131213W. NC 614. HH090/956/01 19.3.02 HH090/956/01 19.3.02 NO LONGER SHOWS AT ANY STATE OF THE TIDE. NOT IN SURVEY AREA. (HMS BEAGLE, HI 956). NCA.

Circumstances of loss

CAUGHT FIRE AND SANK.

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 8 31.485 N,13 12.227 W
Springfontein on Wreck Map Springfontein Wreck on Google Map

Nearby Wrecks:

FAQ

Where is the SPRINGFONTEIN wreck located?

The SPRINGFONTEIN wreck is located at coordinates 8 31.485 N,13 12.227 W.

How deep is the seabed around the SPRINGFONTEIN?

The seabed around the SPRINGFONTEIN lies at approximately 7 meters deep.

When did the SPRINGFONTEIN sink?

The SPRINGFONTEIN sank on Jan 4, 1941.

When was the wreck of the SPRINGFONTEIN discovered?

The wreck of the SPRINGFONTEIN was discovered in 1943.

What country did the SPRINGFONTEIN belong to?

The SPRINGFONTEIN belonged to NL.

What type of wreck is the SPRINGFONTEIN?

The SPRINGFONTEIN is classified as a steam ship.