The former luxury liner Scandinavia (127 meters in length, 5,105 tons), which was cherished as a floating hotel at Numazu Port in Shizuoka Prefecture for many years, was sold to a Swedish company for refurbishment. While being towed toward Shanghai, China, the vessel sank approximately 3 kilometers northwest of Shio Misaki in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture. In light of this event, our local company, along with concerned stakeholders and the community, decided to conduct an investigation with great care.
Investigation Using Cutting-Edge Technology
The survey commenced on September 12, 2006, at noon, under light rain and mild winds, with slight waves on the surface. For this investigation, we employed the advanced multi-beam acoustic depth measurement system, one of the few ultrasonic-based survey instruments available nationwide at that time. This equipment covers 120 degrees perpendicular to the ship while emitting 240 ultrasonic beams simultaneously. The depth measurement beam outputs data at a resolution of 6mm, generating depth readings 40 times per second. This system also captures reflection intensity data simultaneously, allowing for a precise examination of the underwater topography.
Despite poor visibility conditions that made it difficult for underwater cameras to capture images, we were able to visualize the submerged vessel effectively.
Survey Results and Findings
The survey revealed that the Scandinavia had settled onto a sandy seabed, slightly tilted to port side but overall undamaged, resting flat on the sea floor. The ship’s hull was submerged between 1.5 to 2 meters deep in the sand.
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