Swiftsure Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category dangerous wreck
Swiftsure Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		59 0.813 N,2 46.055 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 59.013550
  • Longitude: -2.767583
Wreck Depth 24.5 m
Water Depth 28 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name SWIFTSURE
Type motor vessel
Flag GB
Length 60 m
Width 9 m
Sonar Length 12
Sonar Width 5
Shadow Height 3.7
Orientation 45
Tonnage 823
Tonnage Type gross
Cargo timber
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Sep 9, 1917
Bottom Texture Sand
Original Detection Year 1941
Last Detection Year 2009
Original Source other
Last Amended Date Jun 10, 2009

Simplified Wreck Survey

The Swiftsure is an underwater wreck located off the coast of the Orkney Islands, Scotland, at coordinates 59 0.813 N, 2 46.055 W. This shipwreck site sits at a depth of 24.5 meters in an area with a general seabed depth of 28.5 meters. Measuring 12 meters in length and 5 meters in width, the vessel lies on a 045/225-degree orientation. Following a 2009 dive survey, the site was positively identified as the Swiftsure. The wreckage is largely flattened and partially buried in sand, with only structural remnants such as the boiler, donkey boiler, engine, and prop shaft remaining visible above the seabed. Due to its fragmented state, the site is officially charted as an obstruction.

Surveying Details

H0276/39 13.5.41 NSC IN 590100N, 024600W. (NOIC KIRKWALL). HH091/202/01 - SEP 2007/000068207 18.9.07 EXAM'D 8.1.07 IN 5900.813N, 0246.055W [WGD] USING DGPS. LEAST M/B DEPTH 24.78 IN GEN DEPTH 28.5MTRS. LENGTH 12MTRS, WIDTH 5MTRS, HT 3.7MTRS. LIES 045/225DEGS. ?SMALL VESSEL, BROKEN WITH BOW EVIDENT. (NETSURVEY LTD, HI 1202). PROBABLY SEABED FEATURE. INS AS OBSTN 24.5MTRS. - NM 4721/07. 10.6.09 DIVED IN LISTED POSN. IDENTIFIED AS SWIFTSURE. FLATTENED WRECK EXCEPT FOR ENGINE, PROPSHAFT, BOILER AND DONKEY BOILER WHICH SHOW, THE MAJORITY OF THE REST OF THE WK IS COVERED BY SAND. CINC REQUESTED. (K HEATH, TELECON 9.6.09).

Circumstances of loss

BUILT IN 1894 BY SUNDERLAND SHIPBUILDING CO LTD, SUNDERLAND. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY J G HILL STEAM SHIPPING CO LTD. ONE BOILER, TRIPLE EXPANSION ENGINE, SINGLE SHAFT. MACHINERY BY NE MARINE ENGINE CO LTD, SUNDERLAND. PASSAGE ARENDAL FOR SUNDERLAND. SUNK BY MINE LAID BY UC-40, ABOUT 2M S OF HACENES, ENTRANCE TO SHAPINSAY SOUND. ONE OF 18 CREW LOST. (WW1SL, SIBI, & OFF SCOTLAND).

General Comments

ENGINE, PROPSHAFT, BOILER AND DONKEY BOILER SHOWING

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 59 0.813 N,2 46.055 W
Swiftsure on Wreck Map Swiftsure Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the SWIFTSURE wreck located?

The SWIFTSURE wreck is located at coordinates 59 0.813 N,2 46.055 W.

How deep is the SWIFTSURE and where exactly is it located?

The SWIFTSURE lies at a depth of about 24.5 meters and is located at coordinates 59 0.813 N,2 46.055 W.

How deep is the seabed around the SWIFTSURE?

The seabed around the SWIFTSURE lies at approximately 28 meters deep.

When did the SWIFTSURE sink?

The SWIFTSURE sank on Sep 9, 1917.

When was the wreck of the SWIFTSURE discovered?

The wreck of the SWIFTSURE was discovered in 1941.

What country did the SWIFTSURE belong to?

The SWIFTSURE belonged to GB.

What cargo was the SWIFTSURE carrying?

The SWIFTSURE was carrying timber.

What was the tonnage of the SWIFTSURE?

The SWIFTSURE had a tonnage of 823 tons.

What type of wreck is the SWIFTSURE?

The SWIFTSURE is classified as a motor vessel.

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