Lapas No. 3
Cargo Vessel · China · Lost 1999 · The Sea of Cortez
Seized like her sister ship Fang Ming while carrying undocumented migrants, this vessel was sunk a day later to form a second La Paz artificial reef.
Become Captain of Record
The Vessel and Her Loss
Lapas No. 3 was intercepted by U.S. Coast Guard forces on August 27, 1997, carrying 79 undocumented migrants, and its occupants were repatriated. The vessel was later anchored at Puerto San Carlos alongside the Fang Ming. In 1999, following the same Pronatura-led project, Lapas No. 3 was deliberately sunk near La Catedral in the San Lorenzo Channel, one day after the Fang Ming, to create a second artificial reef for the La Paz diving community.
Vessel
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Steel
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Diesel
- Not established
Loss
- November 19, 1999
- Intentional sinking
- Near La Catedral, San Lorenzo Channel, Bahia de La Paz
- Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez)
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 64
- Intact, resting on sand.
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- Not established
- Reported, unconfirmed
- Isla Ballena, San Lorenzo Channel, near La Paz
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (65/100)
Detailed build specifications and country of registry for this vessel are not established in the sources reviewed.
Interdiction date, migrant count, and sinking date.
Sudcalifornios (regional historical feature)
Location details and depth of the sunk vessel.
