Vert Prairal Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure
Status Dead = Not detected by numerous sources therefore considered not to exist
Vert prairal Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		50 2.252 N,5 39.309 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 50.037533
  • Longitude: -5.655150
Water Depth 0 m
Water Level Effect covers and uncovers
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name VERT PRAIRAL
Type trawler
Flag FR
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Mar 14, 1956
Original Detection Year 1956
Last Detection Year 2009
Original Source Lloyd's and Marine Underwriter's reports
Last Amended Date Apr 30, 2009

Simplified Wreck Survey

The French steam trawler Vert Prairal ran ashore on November 13, 1956, near Wireless Point and Pedn-Men-Du Point, close to Porthcurno and Porthchapel on the Cornish coast, resulting in the tragic loss of all hands with no survivors. Located very close inshore in a rocky intertidal area near St Levan, the shipwreck lies at coordinates 50 2.252 N, 5 39.309 W. Historical hydrographic surveys and local reports note that the vessel is well broken, with only scattered wreckage and the engine block remaining amongst the rocks. Subsequent hydrographic searches by HMS Hecla and Netsurvey confirmed the site remains heavily broken up and difficult to locate due to its shallow, rocky coastal position.

Surveying Details

H2056/56 13.11.56 ASHORE AT WIRELESS PT IN 500224N, 053900W APPROX. (LL & LANDS END RADIO). 14.10.74 UNDER CLIFFS OF PEDN-MEN-DU PT (WIRELESS PT), LESS THAN 1M FROM ST LEVAN CH. REASON FOR STRANDING A MYSTERY. NO SURVIVORS. (MARINER'S MIRROR MAGAZINE, SEPT 74). H2590/76 23.3.76 CLOSE INSHORE. NOT SEARCHED FOR. (HMS HECLA, HI 1A/75). H1282/77/116 4.5.77 REPD LOST AT PORTHCHAPEL, PORTHCURNO. (P R JONES, 25.2.77) H1310/83/9 2.2.83 LIES INSIDE SMALL RK OFF THE HEADLAND TO E OF PORTHCHAPEL, IN 500213N, 053915W. ENGINE BLOCK AND SCATTERED WRECKAGE REMAIN. (A JENNIONS, 18.1.83). POSN FOR FILING ONLY. HH091/246/01 30.4.09 NOT LOCATED BY M/B. CLOSE INSHORE AND IN ROCKY AREA. (NETSURVEY, HI 1246). AMEND DEAD. NCA.

Circumstances of loss

14.3.56 SANK IN SHALLOW WATER IN HEAVY SEAS AT WIRELESS PT NEAR PORTHCURNO. (LL, 14.3.56).

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 50 2.252 N,5 39.309 W
Vert Prairal on Wreck Map Vert Prairal Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the VERT PRAIRAL wreck located?

The VERT PRAIRAL wreck is located at coordinates 50 2.252 N,5 39.309 W.

When did the VERT PRAIRAL sink?

The VERT PRAIRAL sank on Mar 14, 1956.

When was the wreck of the VERT PRAIRAL discovered?

The wreck of the VERT PRAIRAL was discovered in 1956.

What country did the VERT PRAIRAL belong to?

The VERT PRAIRAL belonged to FR.

What type of wreck is the VERT PRAIRAL?

The VERT PRAIRAL is classified as a trawler.

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