Sea Chart 1 Wreck Detailed Photographs
Detailed surface photos show the ‘Sea Chart 1′ shipwreck in it’s origional condition
Khao Lak, Thailand – Big Blue Tech discovered these photos during a online search into more information about the Sea Chart Shipwreck and what might of lead to it’s sinking. The official report was rough seas but that is becoming more and more unlikely due to the size of the vessel and intact hull. The Thai Military released a report marking it’s official resting place.
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Notice to Mariners
No. 125/2552 (Temporary)
WEST COAST OF THAILAND
Phang – nga, Khao Na Yak Westwards — Wreck.
Details : The merchant ship “SEA CHART 1” has been sunk in the position (WGS84 DATUM)
Lat. 8 ํ 34 ่.50 N., Long. 98 ํ 07 ่.92 E. (Appr.)
Mariners are warned accordingly.
Charts affected : Thai Chart Nos. 353, 307, 362 and 045.
Telegram from : Third Naval Area Command, dated 23 rd August 2009.
Issued by the Hydro-graphic Department,
Royal Thai Navy, Bangkok,
25 th August 2009.
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The original document can be found here
Additionally the wreck is officially 84m long with a beam of 12m after being built in Thailand in 1970. While we are receiving more information daily from our readers we ask anyone who has more information to please send it for inclusion in this post.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Sea Chart 1 Wreck – Part 2
Technical Divers explore further inside the ‘Sea Chart 1′ shipwreck
Khao Lak, Thailand - Big Blue Tech continues their exploration of the ‘Sea Chart 1′ shipwreck off the shore of Khao Lak in Thailand. The dives conduced today were to begin penetration of the inside of the shipwreck including it’s engine room, wheel house, stern hold and bow compartment. These penetrations were conducted in groups with exterior support and conducted over 2 technical dives.
Penetration of the ‘Sea Chart 1′ shipwreck is complicated by the unstable cargo of large hard wood logs which are held in place by steel cable which is slowly rusting and will eventually break under the immense weight applied by the sideways position of the boat. While many logs have spilled out into the sand, many remain applying a great deal of pressure which restricts penetration to only a few areas.
Additionally the current and visibility improved today alowing further exploration outside the wreck which allowed the team to look at the propellers and hull.
During our dives we found signs that a fire might of contributed to the sinking. Although no actual fire damage could be seen there was fire fighting equipment in use in some areas including fire blankets and a full face mask or BA set used to fight fires. As more dives are conducted more information is revealed about this wreck and it’s condition.
Golden Horseshoe Expedition: Premchai Wreck
The tin dredging shipwreck off the coast of Khao Lak
Khao Lak, Thailand – Big Blue Tech explored the shipwreck called Premchai which was a tin mining vessel which sank in 21m during a storm in August of 2001. Although this wreck doesn’t pose much difficulty in terms of technical diving it’s still a great wreck to practice penetration and general conduct in and around a shipwreck. The abundance of marine life was astounding and in many situations the fish had to be scared away to take a picture of the wreck.
Although this would be the only time this wreck would be explored it was a great second dive of the day with an alternative shallow dive.
Additionally some website have reported this shipwreck being intact which might of been the case before the Tsunami but now the wreck is very much broken up and upside down. Still a great dive!
