Sunday, October 21, 2007

Igara

A Cape-sized bulk ore carrier similar to the Igara

The Igara was an Italian owned Cape-sized (140,000 DWT) bulk ore carrier on a voyage from Vitoria to Muroran with a cargo of 127,718 DWT of Brazilian iron ore. After passing through the Sunda Strait, she struck an uncharted rock in the South China sea about 190 nautical miles from Horsborough Lighthouse, off Mendarik Island, on March 11, 1973.

The vessel remained afloat and continued her voyage whilst taking on water until her bow settled submerged on the sea bottom in 36m of water about 70 nautical miles from Singapore. She settled with her entire stern section sticking out of the water.

The following day, 27 of the 38 crew abandoned ship, and were picked up in their lifeboats by passing vessels. The master and 10 crew stayed on board until March 19 when she began to break across hold no.1.

Salvors used explosives to cut through the ship at hold no. 1 and the entire stern section of the ship which included the superstructure and engines was towed to Japan where a new forward section was attached and she was renamed the Eraclide.

At the time of her sinking the Igara was the largest ever single marine insurance loss in maritime history valued at over US$25M.

In recent years the iron ore price reached levels which made the salvaging of the ore economically viable and the holds were opened and the ore removed with vaccum lifts.

The Wreck



Dive 1
Date: 21/10/2007
Max: 31m
Avg: 15m
BT: 26mins
RT: 51mins
BG: 21/35
Deco: EAN50



Dive 2
Date: 21/10/2007
Max: 35m
Avg: 20m
BT: 26mins
RT: 51mins
BG: 21/35
Deco: EAN50













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