Switha Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure
Switha Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		56 1.183 N,3 6.725 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 56.019717
  • Longitude: -3.112083
Water Depth -1 m
Water Level Effect covers and uncovers
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name SWITHA
Type patrol boat
Flag GB
Length 54.3 m
Width 9.1 m
Draught 4.6
Orientation 70
Tonnage 573
Tonnage Type gross
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Jan 31, 1980
Bottom Texture Rock
Original Detection Year 1980
Last Detection Year 2009
Original Source Lloyd's and Marine Underwriter's reports
Last Amended Date May 4, 2010

Simplified Wreck Survey

The shipwreck Switha lies submerged in the Firth of Forth near Burntisland, Scotland, at coordinates 56 1.183 N, 3 6.725 W. Originally identified as a prominent steel wreck, the vessel was broken in two and eventually collapsed beneath the surface in 2001. Historical records indicate the wreckage site was previously marked as an obstruction for navigation, though it has since deteriorated significantly. The site consists of the remains of the ship's structure, which lies on the seabed in a decayed and abandoned state. While once visible above the waterline, the wreckage of the Switha is now fully submerged, with the site being characterized by its broken steel remnants rather than a cohesive hull.

Surveying Details

H454/67 13.2.80 POSN ABOUT 20FT N OF CHARTED SHIPS BOILER. LIES ON TRANSIT OF RADIO MAST N OF BURNTISLAND AND LEFT EDGE OF SOUTHERN BUILDING ON INCHKEITH. HEADING 250DEGS [M]. BOTTOM COMPLETELY OPEN & ABANDONED. CONSPIC. WILL PROBABLY EVENTUALLY BREAK UP IN SITU. (SALVAGE OFFICER, ROSYTH). INS AS ST 'WRECK' IN 560111N, 030638W [OGB]. - NM 450/80.. 4.7.02 [EUT] POSN: 5601.183N, 0306.725W. NE 735. SEP 2010/000072878 4.5.10 WK WAS PROMINENTLY VISIBLE, DESPITE BEING BROKEN IN TWO FOR 20 YEARS, BUT COLLAPSED AND DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE SURFACE IN 2001. PHOTO. (SHIPWRECKS OF THE FORTH & TAY, B BAIRD, PUBLISHED 2009). DELETE 'WRECK'. BR STD.

Circumstances of loss

EX-ERNEST HOLT '71. BUILT IN 1948 BY COCHRANE & SONS, SELBY. OWNED BY DEPT OF AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES, SCOTLAND. ONE BOILER, TRIPLE EXPANSION ENGINE OF 900 NHP, SINGLE SHAFT. MACHINERY BY AMOS & SMITH LTD, HULL. GROUNDED ON HERWIT ROCKS IN BAD WEATHER. ALL 25 CREW AIRLIFTED OFF. (SIBI & SHIPWRECKS OF THE FORTH & TAY, B BAIRD & LL).

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 56 1.183 N,3 6.725 W
Switha on Wreck Map Switha Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the SWITHA wreck located?

The SWITHA wreck is located at coordinates 56 1.183 N,3 6.725 W.

When did the SWITHA sink?

The SWITHA sank on Jan 31, 1980.

When was the wreck of the SWITHA discovered?

The wreck of the SWITHA was discovered in 1980.

What country did the SWITHA belong to?

The SWITHA belonged to GB.

What was the tonnage of the SWITHA?

The SWITHA had a tonnage of 573 tons.

What type of wreck is the SWITHA?

The SWITHA is classified as a patrol boat.

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