Wreck Diving Vessels   
This wreck, known locally as the $25 Wreck, are the remains of a side paddle wheel steamship, lying in 90' of water 11 miles off the coast of Ocean City, NJ. The wreck is low and scattered and consists of the engine and paddlewheel shafts, some scattered hull sections, and the remains of the bow 50' forward of the engine. Probably sunk in the late 1800's, this interesting wreck has produced portholes and deadeyes and is a good spot for lobster. Return to Top The Almirante was a steamship bound for Panama from New York with a full cargo working for the United Fruit Company. The USS Hisko rammed the vessel resulting in the ship sinking within 4 minutes. Surprisingly, only 5 people were lost out of 105 crew and passengers due to the prompt rescue from the Lifesaving Corps out of Atlantic City. This wreck is commonly called the "Flour Wreck" because of the white foam that washed ashore after the Almirante sank. A large portion of the Almirante's cargo was flour, resulting in the local beaches being covered with a doughy, frothy mess for days after the wreck. The nickname the "Flour" stuck because of the resulting debris on the beach. This wreck lies in 60-70 feet of water. It has twice been blown up and wire dragged. In July of 1942, the wreck, being seen from the air was reported as a possible U-boat. The Coast Guard dropped 5 depth charges on it, further destroying it. The Almirante is now mostly low lying wreckage with some identifiable parts such as overlapping hull plates and boilers. This wreck is a great site for student dives because it's shallow, offers artifacts and is an ideal habitat for lobsters and fish. Return to Top
Originally constructed as a 3-masted luxury yacht/schooner and named American, the ship was later converted into a barge for use in the transportation of oil. The wreck we know as the American Oil Barge was under tow when she disappeared beneath the waves 8 miles off Atlantic City. Today the wreck lies upright with a relief of 10’. The scattered wreckage of the mid-section provides good habit for lobster and fish. Return to Top
This 333 ft long freighter was built in Denmark in 1945 and originally christened Gudnaed. On March 30, 1951 renamed Astra, she was steaming in a dense fog when the freighter Steel Inventor collided with the Astra sending her to the bottom some 8 miles off Atlantic city NJ. Today she sits in 85 ft of water on a clean sandy bottom. Her stern is intact, tilted to the port side. The rest of the ship sits upright with her midsection collapsed. Return to Top
The Big Mama Tug was sunk on the Atlantic City artificial reed system on June 9, 1995. A large ocean going tug, she rises 25' off the bottom in 90' of water. A good spearfishing and photography wreck, she is covered with mussels. Some lobster can also be found along the hull area in the sand. Penetration is possible but proper training is a mandatory before any attempts at interior exploration. Return to Top
The Blue Crown was seized for drug smuggling in 1991 in one of the biggest drug busts in U.S. history - over 11,000 pounds of cocaine. She became a liability to the government when she sank at the dock, and so was given to the Artificial Reef Program. She was sunk on the Atlantic City reef system on June 10, 1994. Today the Blue Crown sits upright and intact on a clean sandy bottom and provides a great dive for the spearfisherman and photographer alike. A large collection of tires are spread out off the port side of the wreck providing good hiding spots for lobster. Return to Top
The Boston Lightship was being towed from the Boston station to Gardner's Basin in Atlantic City when she was rammed by a tanker. A large hole was ripped in her port side, which was never repaired. The Boston remained docked at Gardner's Basin for seventeen years, practically ignored, until she was donated to New Jersey's Artificial Reef Program. On January 28, 1994 she was dismasted and sunk in 90' of water to provide habitat for fish and other life forms. Completely intact with portholes still in place, she lies on her port side awaiting exploration. Return to Top
Constructed by New York Shipbuilding Company in 1911, and first known as the Somerset her name was changed to the City of Athens. She was 331 ft long and had a 40 ft wide beam. On May 1, 1918 the City of Athens was traveling through a dense fog when she was struck by the French cruiser La Gloire. It was said, "The steel hull of the warship cut through the side of the steamer like it was paper, making a huge hole." The City of Athens sank quickly taking sixty five aboard, down with her. Today the wreck lies in 110 ft of water and generally offers great visibility. Also known as the Ammo Wreck, the 26 Mile Wreck and the Refrigerator Wreck, the four boilers and massive engine provide the site with its highest relief. Divers enjoy this wreck due to the numerous finds of artifacts and trinkets. Return to Top
The wreck of the Car Float are the remains of a steel barge used in the transportation of railroad cars. Low lying, partially intact and upright, the steel rails that supported the railroad cars are still visible in the deck. Plenty of hiding places for lobster, habitat for fish and the relatively shallow depth provides extended bottom times and makes this a great dive for all levels of certified divers. Return to Top
The China Wreck is definitely one of the most exciting dives to be found off the coast of New Jersey. NOAA teams performing wire drags during the summer of 1970 first encountered this unidentified shipwreck. The wreck was first examined by NOAA divers and found to be that of a sailing ship with a cargo of British ironstone china. The wreck consists of two sections, the main wreckage, with a large mound of china plates still stacked in the remains of the hull, and a small piece about 30' west of the main section. After 40 years of diving, the wreck still produces china plates, cups and bowls to the lucky diver willing to brave the strong currents of the Delaware Bay. Considered an advanced dive due to the strong currents, the dive must be made during a slack, incoming tide, allowing the ocean to bring clear water into the mouth of the bay. Return to Top
The Clermont was at one time the world's largest dredge. She was sunk in a storm while under tow on January 8, 1927. Today she sits upright on a sandy bottom, partially intact, rising 15' off the bottom. Some of the dredge pipes are visible in the sand off the starboard side of the wreck. Divers have recovered several interesting objects from the wreck such as deck prisms and bricks from the boiler stamped "Weideimer". Return to Top
This unidentified wooden shipwreck lies 16 miles southeast of Beach Haven in 85' of water. The main wreckage is that of a boiler, propeller shaft and a large steel propeller. A debris field consisting of wooden decking and ribs extends out from both sides of the boiler area. Copper sheathing can be seen on the remains of the hull. Known as a good lobster dive, the wreck always has good visability and a large population of sea bass and tautog. Return to Top
The wreck known as the Double East are the remains of a wooden barge carrying a cargo of large granite blocks. The remains of the wooden hull can be seen surrounding the blocks and provide good hunting for lobster. The granite blocks rise 15' from the bottom stacked so that fish can easily swim in between. The wreck lies in 75' of water 7 miles off of Holgate, NJ. Return to Top
For years, divers visited a steel wreck some 10 miles off Atlantic City known locally as the Gloria, or Glory Wreck. Noted marine historian Gary Gentile has done extensive research and has now believes that the wreck known as the Gloria is actually the Lake Frampton. Descriptions of both wrecks are included here until positive identification is confirmed. Built in 1901, the Gloria was 243 ft long and displaced 2,183 tons. On June 18, 1921 sailing from New York to Houston with a cargo of iron, the Gloria sank. Apparently she started to take on water and her pumps could not keep up. All of the crew got off safely in a life raft and rowed for over a day before reaching Barnegat's shore. Built in 1918, the Lake Frampton was 251' long and had a beam of 43'. She was sunk on July 12, 1920 after colliding with the passenger-freighter Comus. To add to the confusion, the wreck is also often called the Kennebec. Today she can be found in 70 ft of water and offers a great site to dive. Her remains are scattered and low lying due to being demolished as a hazard to navigation. Return to Top
The Great Isaac was a 185 ft long, 37 ft wide V-4 ocean going tug. General Ship and Engine works in Boston, Massachusetts finished construction in 1944. While towing the Thomas M Cooley through a dense fog bank on April 16, 1947, the Great Isaac was struck on her port side by the Norwegian freighter, Bandeirante. Captain McCleary and his 27 crew abandoned ship and luckily were picked up by the Bandeirante where they watched their vessel sink before their eyes. Today you can dive this fantastic three dimensional shipwreck which remains totally intact. She lies in 85-100 ft of water on her port side and is buried so that only half of her hull rises above the sea bed. Experienced wreck divers often penetrate this wreck looking for artifacts and lobsters. It's a wonderful wreck to dive but do remember it is easy to get disoriented due to its extreme angle at which the vessel lies. Return to Top
The Gulf Trade was traveling off Barnegat Light, NJ when she was torpedoed by the German U-boat U-558. The ensuing explosion split the tanker in half just aft of the bridge section. The bow section sunk in 60' of water, 4 miles off Barnegat Light. The stern drifted 9 miles offshore before sinking. Of the 34 man crew, only 16 survived. Return to Top
The Hornet was a drillbarge which foundered in 60' of water 4.5 miles off southeast of Little Egg Inlet. The wreck is low and scattered and consists of two pieces, the forward section around 60' in length and the aft piece 100' long. A section of her boom can be found lying nearby. Return to Top
The Inshore Paddle Wheeler wreck is that of a side paddle wheeler sunk in 105' of water approximately 31 miles off Cape May, NJ. The wreck may be that of the Champion, sunk in a collision with the Lady Octavia on November 7, 1879. The wreck is low and scattered, consisting of an iron hull and the remains of the paddle wheel shafts and engine. The port side paddle wheel remains are located in the sand, just off the end of the shaft. Forward and aft of the engine area is a large debris field consisting of beams and decking, a good place to look for lobster. Digging has revealed gauges and brass goodies from the engine areas. Inkwells and porcelain figurines have been recovered by divers willing to spend time digging in the sand. Return to Top
While on patrol in Cape May waters, the Jacob Jones was hit by two torpedoes fired from U-578 on February 28, 1942. The bridge and bow section sank immediately, with the remaining stern section floating for about 45 minutes. As the stern section began to sink, her depth charges went off killing more people aboard life rafts. The final count of survivors totaled twelve thus leaving over 130 lives lost. The Jacob Jones now peacefully rests in 120 ft of water. There are three different sections of the wreck, the stern is probably the most visited piece, and the bridge and bow sections which are small and hard to locate. Return to Top
The wreck of the Jet Trader is a tanker sunk on the Atlantic City reef to provide the additional habitat for marine life, and is another great dive off the coast. Upright and intact in 100' of water, this wreck provides high relief off the bottom and excellend opportunities for advanced divers with proper training to explore the intact wheelhouse and cabin areas located in the stern section. Cage lights and other brass goodies have been recovered, plus this is also a great wreck for the photographer and fisherman. The wreck is also known as the Captain Andy Applegate named for the long time Atlantic City party boat captain. Return to Top
The John Marvin was a clammer that sunk off Atlantic City in the winter of 1991-1992. She sits upright and intact in 70 feet of water. This wreck offers a great opportunity for the photo enthusiast and is also a hot spot for gathering lobster, catching fish and collecting mussels. Some wreck penetration is also possible for those certified. Return to Top
This steel hulled American collier was built in 1917. Originally named the Deepwater, she was 438 ft long with a width of 63 ft. On March 14, 1942 the U-404 torpedoed the Lemuel Burrows. The three torpedoes were enough to send the vessel and twenty of her crew to their watery grave. Later this wreck was wire dragged so as not to be a hazard to navigation. Also known as the Collier Wreck, the Lemuel Burrows remains can be found in 80 ft of water. Return to Top
The Morania Abaco was a former tanker sunk on the Atlantic City reef on November 18, 1985 after being donated to the NJ Artificial Reef System. Upright and intact in 100' of water she is the wreck divers dream. Sunk with portholes and cage lights still in place, she's a great wreck for exploration. Penetration of her inner structures are easy as the upper two sections of her pilothouse were removed prior to sinking as were her engine. A good wreck for artifacts, mussels, spearfishing and photography. Lobster can also be found along the hull at sand level. Return to Top
The Palmer, (also known as the 7 minute wreck), is that of a large barge that sunk carrying a cargo of bricks. Low lying sections of wooden hull and a large pile of red bricks are all that remain of this vessel. Known as a good spot for lobstering and fish, this is an ideal wreck for the diver in search of game. Return to Top
The Patrice McAllister was a tugboat that was under tow when she foundered in a storm on October 4, 1976. She sits upright and intact in 60' of water, approximately 6 miles off Brigantine, NJ. A good spot for mussels, spearfishing and photography. Return to Top
The Pauline Marie was a steel hulled freighter sunk as part of the Atlantic City artificial reef system on March 29, 1985. Sitting upright and intact in 100' of water she offers great opportunity for the photographer and those seeking fish and mussels. Rising 25' off the bottom, divers can swim along the decks and check out the intact wheelhouse on the stern section. Many point of penetration are possible for the properly trained diver, and the visibility is usually excellent due to the distance offshore and the high relief of the wreck. Return to Top
The Pet Wreck appears to be the remains of a wooden barge sunk in 60' of water 6 miles off Atlantic City. Partially intact but low lying, the wreck is good for both lobster and spearfishing. Look for lobster hiding under the large winch still in place on the forward section of the wreck. Return to Top
The Poseidon was sunk after a collision with the SS Somerset on July 31, 1918, 5 miles NE of the Five Fathom Bank Lightship settling in 100' of water. Today the wreck consists of the bow section rising about 12' off the sand, with a large anchor and chain pile located there. The wreckage then breaks down amidships, with a double hull section providing great hiding spots for some very large lobster. The boiler provides the highest relief at about 15' with the remaining wreckage lying low to the sand all the way to the stern. The wrecks proximity to the southern park of the state provides somewhat different marine life as compared to most New Jersey wrecks. Red whip coral and an abundance of tropical fish make this a nice wreck to visit during the warmer months. Return to Top
The Point Rub Tug was an ocean going tug owned by the Moran Towing Company. Originally named the Carol Moran, she was destroyed by fire in the late 1980's. She was donated to the Artificial Reef System and sunk on the Atlantic City reef on July 17, 1990. Today the Point Pub Tug sits upright and intact on a clean sand bottom 12 miles off Atlantic City. An excellent wreck for spearfishing and photography plus a great spot for mussels. Exploration of the interior is possible but proper certification and training are a must. Return to Top
The Coast Guard buoy tender Red Oak was sunk on the Cape May reef system on September 13, 1999 after being decommissioned in March of 1996. Today the Red Oak lies upright and intact in 65 ft of water. Unlike other ships placed on the reef, she was sunk with a number of nice artifacts still in place, including port holes and cage lights. Known for the excellent visibility and abundance of marine life, the wreck provides for both the novice and the seasoned diver. Penetration is possible, but proper training and experience are a requirment for any exploration of the interior sections. Return to Top
The Sachem wreck is typical of the remains of many unknown wooden sailing ships that are found off the coast. Three parallel sets of ribs and scattered decking between provide good habitat for lobster. The wreck sits in 60' of water on a clean sandy bottom and visibility is usually good on this site. Fairly large and scattered, it also provides good opportunity for the spearfisherman. Return to Top
The San Jose was under wartime blackout when colliding with the Santa Elisa. The collision sent the San Jose quickly to the bottom with the Santa Elisa remaining on fire but still afloat. Due to the ongoing war, no attempt was made to salvage the San Jose despite the relatively shallow depth of the wreck. The wreck was wire dragged in 1950, reducing the height of any existing wreckage to less than 20’. Today the San Jose is an exciting wreck to explore. Lying in 110' of water 12.5 miles off Atlantic City, the wreck is visited by both fisherman and divers. The stern is the most recognizable section, upright, with a huge steering quadrant visible. The midships lie partially on their starboard side, with two large masts stretching out into the sand. Known as a good lobster wreck, it also provides mussels and fish. Return to Top
Today the wreck sits in 80 ft of water off of Barnegat. Known locally as the Magnolia Wreck, divers still recognize her boiler and propeller even though she is broken down and scattered through out the ocean floor. The wreck is in two pieces, the frequently dove stern section which still offers great opportunities for the artifact collector, and the low lying remains of the bow less than a hundred feet away. Return to Top
The Schooner wreck is the remains of a huge 4 masted schooner in 100' of water, 25 miles southeast of Sea Isle City, NJ. The wreck provides 5' of relief and is easily navigated by following the hull from bow to stern. A large rudder lies in the sand off the starboard side and brass objects have been recovered in the stern section. In the bow area a large winch can be found with the anchor chain running out into the sand. If you follow the chain a large section of decking can be found but use caution, it's a long swim. Another section of decking is off the starboard bow, approximately 20' off the main wreckage. Deadeyes and rigging are uncovered by storms so look for cables when swimming along the wreck site. A good lobster dive with excellent visibility. Return to Top
The Sea Girt was dredging for clams approximately 9.5 miles off Atlantic City when her dredge fouled on a bottom obstruction sending her to the bottom. Numerous artifacts were recovered when divers first visited the wreck in August of 1990. Today the ship sits upright with a list to starboard. Known for an abundance of mussels and fish, the visibility here is usually good and is a great dive for the student and certified diver also. Return to Top
The Troy was a canal tug sunk as an artificial reef on the Atlantic City reef system 8.5 miles offshore. The wreck is upright and intact, providing good areas for mussels and fish. Some penetration is possible in the forward wheelhouse area, but care and proper training should preclude any attempts at interior explorations. Return to Top
Constructed in 1872 as the Santander, the Vizcaya was renamed in 1884. The Vizcaya left her New York dock bound for Havana in October 30, 1890. She had on board sixteen passengers and a cargo of merchandise. On November 1, the four mastered coal schooner Cornelius Hargraves collided with the Spanish liner sending both ships to the bottom. The news reached New York City the following morning. A total of sixty eight people lost their lives from the collision. Now resting in 85' of water, the Vizcaya remains a favorite for artifact seekers as relics are still found by those willing to fan the sands in search of treasures. The boilers and engine provide the highest relief, with a jumble of deck beams and hull plates spread out over a wide area providing the lobster hunter with equal opportunities. Return to Top |
