Mitera Zafira
IMO Number | 5386980 |
---|---|
Call sign | 5BWP |
Type | Cargo |
DWT | 9020 |
Length | 141.83m |
Beam | 18.33m |
Draft | 5.04m |
Crew | ? |
Cargo | 5 holds, transporting phosphates |
Builder | W.M. Doxford & Sons Ltd., Sunderland |
Flag | Cyprus |
Owner | Cassiopeian Shipping Company Ltd., Famagusta |
Sink date | Run aground March 8, 1973, sunk March 16, 1973 |
Sink reason | Run aground on March 8, 1973, abandoned by crew and suffered a fire |
Survivors | all |
Coordinates | N43 58.087 E028 40.167 |
Depth | 8m |
History
The vessel was built at the W.M. Doxford & Sons Ltd.1), in Sunderland. The keel was laid as yard number 786, in 1950. The ship was launched on January 9, 1951 and it was completed in July 1951. It was powered by a 3300hp (2975 kW) 2SA 4cyl 600×2300 oil engine, 1 screw, manufactured by Doxford, with a maximum speed of 12 knots.
The first name of the ship was Wayfarer, sailing under British flag, and it was owned by Charente Steamship Company Ltd. / T&J Harrison Ltd.2), Liverpool.
Since 1971, the ship was sold to Cassiopeian Shipping Company Ltd., from Famagusta, Cyprus. It was renamed Mitera Zafira and continued to sail under the Cyprus flag.
Sinking
On March 8, 1973, while en route from Ashod, Israel to Romania, the vessel was grounded and caught fire, 2 miles off Costinesti. The crew abandoned the ship, which sunk on March 16, 1973.
Finding of the wreck
The wreck was found by Harry Bakker on October 28, 2006, near the Tuzla lighthouse, and it was identified on April 4, 2007.
Diving
The ship lies broken in pieces, at a depth of only 8 meters, suitable for beginner divers. Mitera Zafira was completely destroyed by the winter storms. All you can see are large pieces of metal, the most impressive sight being the boiler, which survived intact.