Charted as CABO ESPARTEL, 'entire wreck' in the Marine zone. A Dangerous wreck.
Vessel structure:
Lies in position 50°55.15N, 001°03.73E, at a depth of 23.5m in a general depth of 32m.
Sonar dimensions: 90 x 15 x 8m. Orientation: 60°
In 1996 her highest point was observed to be a probable mast.
'Broken and partially buried.' (1, 29.1.97)
Standing 12m proud, 1m scour on either side. (2, comment JL Aug 2008)
Documentary evidence:
This steamship foundered after being in collision with the Glasgow registered SS FELSPAR, her crew taking to their
boats [and]being picked up by the SS FULHAM of London, and later transferred to the Dungeness lifeboat. At the
same time, the lifeboat guided the now much damaged FELSPAR to a safe anchorage in Sandwich Bay.
Built: 1920
Where built: Cadiz
Builder: Echevarrieta & Larrinaga
LBD: 438ft (2, comment JL); 106m ; 348m ; 100.6 x 14.6m
Tonnage: 4000 (2, comment JL); 3712 grt ; 3711
Propulsion: 3 cylinder triple expansion engine
Speed: 10 knots
Owned by Ybarra & Cia from 1920 until 1937 when she was named CABO ESPARTEL. Requisitioned to theSpanish Government in 1937 when she was re-named SPARIRE.
In 1937 she was returned to her former owners and reverted to the name CABO ESPARTELL.