Igara wreck

Igara Wreck is a notable shipwreck located off the coast of Anambas Islands, Indonesia. The ship, a bulk carrier named Igara, sank on March 12, 1973, after hitting a rock in the South China Sea. It is one of the largest shipwrecks in the world and is a popular site for scuba diving due to its rich marine life and the challenge it presents to divers.

History

The Igara was an Italian bulk carrier owned by the shipping company Ercole Marelli. It was built in 1971 by Italcantieri S.p.A. in Monfalcone, Italy. The ship was 295.2 meters long, 45.5 meters wide, and had a gross tonnage of 153,244 tons, making it one of the largest ships in the world at the time.

On March 12, 1973, while carrying a cargo of 127,718 tons of iron ore from Brazil to Japan, the Igara hit a rock in the South China Sea, near the Anambas Islands. The ship's hull was breached, and it started taking on water. Despite the crew's efforts to save the ship, it sank the following day. All 38 crew members were rescued by nearby vessels.

The Wreck

The Igara wreck lies at a depth of 40 meters, with the stern section rising to 11 meters below the surface. The wreck is largely intact, although it has been heavily salvaged over the years. The ship's cargo of iron ore is still visible in the cargo holds.

The wreck is home to a diverse array of marine life, including coral, fish, and invertebrates. It is a popular site for scuba diving, although the depth and strong currents make it suitable only for experienced divers.

See Also

• List of shipwrecks
• Scuba diving in Indonesia
• Maritime history of Italy

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