Wreck of Freighter 'Mini Lord' Discovered in Megara Gulf

The sunken freighter "Mini Lord" has been located in the Megara Gulf, resting at a depth of 222 metres, approximately 7.67 nautical miles east of the Corinth Canal. Researcher Kostas Thoktaridis, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, confirmed the wreck was found listing 4 degrees to the port side, with a visible breach in its hull.

The "Mini Lord" sank on November 20, 1976, following a collision with another vessel as it exited the Corinth Canal. Over the past 48 years, the wreck has been covered by nets, lines, and other fishing debris. The ship is noted for its unusual hull lines, which made a significant impact on commercial shipping.

The ill-fated vessel was emerging from the canal carrying a cargo of iron from Italy and was en route to Piraeus for refuelling. It collided with the freighter "Costis TAF," which had left Perama without cargo earlier that day, bound for Slovenia. The "Costis TAF," running at full speed, breached the fore of the "Mini Lord" on the port side, causing it to sink within minutes, taking its eight-member crew with it.

Despite a swift rescue response, including tugs from nearby refineries and an immediate mobilisation of nearby ships and the coast guard, none of the crew were ever found.

The accident report at the time placed primary blame on the captain of the "Mini Lord." It was determined that he failed to notice the "Costis TAF" in time because he was engaged in a telephone conversation via VHF until about two minutes before the collision and then made a sharp left turn upon finally seeing the "Costis" at a short distance.

(Source: Amna)