The M/V ALITA. IMO 8503814 (174.10 meters LOA x 15,85 meters in beam) has been reported sunk at the following approximate position: Latitude 09 deg. 23.87’N and Longitude 079 deg. 55.75’W, which is about 0.7 nautical miles and 325 deg. from the West Breakwater Light.
The wreck is marked by two yellow spherical buoys, one marking the bow and the other marking the stern, with the following light characteristics: white lights 0.5 seconds on and 1.5 seconds off.
The sunken vessel is reported to be in about 16.2 meters of water laying on its side and, since it has a beam of 16 meters, the side of the vessel is just below the surface.
The following Admiralty Nautical Charts are affected:
* Chart No.3111 – Atlantic Entrance to Panama Canal, including adjacent ports
* Chart No.1400 – Outer Approached to Puerto Cristobal
Mariners are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid the above mentioned area.
(For information about operations in the Panama Canal, contact GAC-Wilford & McKay at gac-wilfordmckay.panama@gac.com)
Source: Panama Canal Authority Advisory to Shipping No.A-03-2016