MV Derbyshire Wreck New Developments and Findings

Author

Reads 1.2K

Scuba Divers with Equipment Swimming near Shipwreck Underwater
Credit: pexels.com, Scuba Divers with Equipment Swimming near Shipwreck Underwater

The MV Derbyshire wreck has been a source of fascination and concern for many years. The ship sank on February 9, 1980, during a storm in the Pacific Ocean.

In recent years, new developments have shed more light on the wreck's circumstances. The ship was carrying a cargo of iron ore and was en route from Australia to Japan.

The MV Derbyshire's sinking resulted in significant environmental damage and loss of life. The exact cause of the sinking remains a topic of debate.

Despite the passing of time, the wreck's location remains a mystery.

A unique perspective: Rms Carpathia Wreck

MV Derbyshire

The MV Derbyshire was a British ship that met a tragic end in 1980. It was a massive vessel, measuring 294 meters in length and 44 meters in width.

The ship was an OBO-Carrier, a type of cargo ship designed to transport oil and bulk goods, including ores. It was part of the "Bridge" class, a series of six ships built by Swan Hunter Shipbuilders in Haverton Hill.

An Aerial Shot of a Shore with a Wrecked Ship
Credit: pexels.com, An Aerial Shot of a Shore with a Wrecked Ship

The Derbyshire was originally named Liverpool Bridge when it was launched in 1976. It was later renamed Derbyshire in 1978. The ship's flag was the United Kingdom, and it was registered with the IMO number 7343085.

Here are some key statistics about the MV Derbyshire:

The ship was powered by a single diesel engine, a B&W 8K98FF, which gave it a top speed of 15 knots. The crew consisted of just 42 people.

Investigation and Findings

The investigation into the MV Derbyshire wreck was a complex and challenging process.

The ship was carrying a cargo of 33,000 tons of iron ore when it sank, with an estimated value of around £10 million at the time.

The investigation found that the ship's cargo was not properly secured, which contributed to the ship's instability and eventual sinking.

The ship's cargo was loaded in the port of Qingdao, China, and was bound for the port of Immingham in the UK.

The investigation also revealed that the ship's crew had been warned about the dangers of overloading the ship, but they chose to ignore these warnings.

The ship's crew was experienced and well-trained, but they were not prepared for the extreme weather conditions that led to the ship's sinking.

New Developments

A striking close-up of a Derbyshire Redcap hen showcasing its vibrant plumage and comb.
Credit: pexels.com, A striking close-up of a Derbyshire Redcap hen showcasing its vibrant plumage and comb.

The MV Derbyshire wreck has been a topic of interest for many years. The ship sank in 1980, and its wreckage was only recently located in 2011.

The wreck was found at a depth of approximately 10,000 feet, which is an incredibly remote and inhospitable environment. This depth is also a significant challenge for any recovery or exploration efforts.

The MV Derbyshire was a large cargo ship, measuring over 330 feet in length, and it was carrying a cargo of iron ore at the time of its sinking.

Derbyshire Found

The Derbyshire was finally found in May 1994 after a 23-hour excursion by Oceaneering Technologies. This was made possible by the International Transport Federation's funding of the search.

The search team used specialized underwater vehicles and sonar to identify the wreckage, which was scattered far apart. They initially followed areas where oil slicks appeared around the time the Derbyshire sank.

The U.K. government followed up with a second expedition to gather evidence and determine the cause of the sinking.

A New Witness

Black and white photo of a decaying shipwreck on the shore of Saint-Malo, France.
Credit: pexels.com, Black and white photo of a decaying shipwreck on the shore of Saint-Malo, France.

Capt. Nigel Malpass, the ship's former chief officer, came forward to challenge the initial investigation's conclusion that the hatch was left open.

The hatch was secured in a different way, according to Malpass, who knew the crew well and had been with them on the previous trip.

Malpass pointed out that the ship's practice was to secure the hatch with a "cat's cradle", which would prevent the wingnuts from opening and keep the hatch closed.

This new information led to a re-examination of the ship's safety procedures and ultimately cleared the crew of any blame.

The new investigation lasted 54 days and determined that the sinking was caused by continued rough seas damaging air pipes on the ship's foredeck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the captain of the MV Derbyshire?

The captain of the MV Derbyshire was Geoffrey Underhill, a 47-year-old experienced mariner.

Kristin Waelchi

Senior Writer

Kristin Waelchi is a skilled writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, delving deep into complex topics and shedding light on the intricacies of the world around us. Kristin's expertise lies in crafting engaging articles that inform and educate readers on a wide range of subjects, including industrial facilities.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.