Survey vessel to search for cargo ship lost off UK coast in 1981

A Swedish-owned survey vessel will be used to attempt to locate the wreck of a cargo ship that was lost along with its entire crew off the coast of Cornwall, UK over 40 years prior.

Formerly operated as a rescue vessel, Jorgen Amundsen has completed undergoing refitting and repairs in Penzance in Cornwall and is being prepared for the search for the 499GT cargo carrier Mark.

The Panamanian-flagged cargo carrier, which had a crew of six, sank in Beaufort force 12 conditions with wind speeds of up to 90 knots on December 18, 1981.

Although Mark‘s wreckage has never been found, it is believed to be lying at a depth of 48 metres some seven nautical miles south of Penzance.

An initial survey of the possible wreck site will be conducted using Jorgen Amundsen‘s own hull-mounted sonar. The vessel also has provisions for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which may be used for future inspections.