Wairua Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure
Wairua Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		19 8.45 S,177 59.517 E
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: -19.140833
  • Longitude: 177.991950
Water Depth 0 m
Water Level Effect covers and uncovers
Vertical Datum Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name WAIRUA
Type motor vessel
Flag FJ
Length 43 m
Width 9.4 m
Draught 4.3
Tonnage 618
Tonnage Type gross
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Aug 8, 1993
Bottom Texture Coral
Original Detection Year 1995
Last Detection Year 1995
Original Source national HO/authority wreck information
Last Amended Date Oct 19, 2001

Simplified Wreck Survey

The shipwreck WAIRUA is located at coordinates 19 8.45 S, 177 59.517 E, situated on a drying reef off the coast of Fiji. The vessel lies permanently tilted to her starboard side following failed salvage attempts. This maritime obstruction serves as a documented navigational hazard in Fijian waters, with the wreck structure remaining visible on the reef. Hydrographic records confirm the position of the WAIRUA wreck as a structural feature on the reef, and it remains a significant underwater obstruction for vessels navigating in this area.

Surveying Details

HH586/500/02 6.6.95 WRECK CALLED 'WAIRUA' MARKED ON CHARTLET IN 190830S, 1775924E ENCLOSED WITH FIJIAN HO LTR DTD 4.5.95). NCA YET, AWAIT FURTHER. HH586/500/02 26.7.95 VESSEL LIES TILTING TO HER STARBOARD SIDE ON A DRYING REEF IN 190827S, 1775931E. SHE WILL BE MARKED WHEN RESOURCES ALLOW. SALVAGE ATTEMPTS HAVE FAILED. (MARINE DEPT OF FIJI, FAX DTD 12.6.95). CHART AS ST. BR STD.

Circumstances of loss

RAN AGROUND.

General Comments

INTACT, ON STBD SIDE

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 19 8.45 S,177 59.517 E
Wairua on Wreck Map Wairua Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the WAIRUA wreck located?

The WAIRUA wreck is located at coordinates 19 8.45 S,177 59.517 E.

When did the WAIRUA sink?

The WAIRUA sank on Aug 8, 1993.

When was the wreck of the WAIRUA discovered?

The wreck of the WAIRUA was discovered in 1995.

What country did the WAIRUA belong to?

The WAIRUA belonged to FJ.

What was the tonnage of the WAIRUA?

The WAIRUA had a tonnage of 618 tons.

What type of wreck is the WAIRUA?

The WAIRUA is classified as a motor vessel.

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