UK Hydrographic Office Survey of St Helena New Wreck Discovered

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) recently surveyed territorial waters surrounding St Helena to support safety of navigation and unlock information key to economic development in the region.

The UKHO surveyed over 155km2, collecting seabed data using modern bathymetric survey equipment capable of surveying waters down to approximately 250m. This data will be used to inform the production of up-to-date charts for St Helena’s waters to support safe maritime trade in the area.

During the survey a wreck was located approximately 1km north west of Jamestown. It is believed to be a barge, sunk in 1972, previously used to transport water to ships anchored off James Bay (see photo taken by the remotely operated underwater camera deployed by the survey team attached). 

UKHO Lead Surveyor, Dan Evans, said:

“We were very impressed with the skill of the local skippers who assisted in the data collection on board, and with the help and professionalism of local government staff who helped facilitate the survey.”

The surveying was undertaken as part of the UK Overseas Territories Seabed Mapping Programme (OTSMP) and funded by the UK Government’s Conflict, Stability & Security Fund (CSSF), which is coordinated by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. It will also provide St Helena authorities with key data sets to support disaster planning and resilience, coastal infrastructure and environmental protection. 

Also attached to this press release is an image showing the data collected from the multi-beam survey system.

 #StHelena #UKHO #NewWreck

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SHG
19 February 2019

St Helena Government Communications Hub

Telephone: 22470
Email: kimberley.peters@sainthelena.gov.sh