The Legacy of Shipwrecks: History and Artificial Reefs
Genuine shipwrecks provide insights into the past and instill a sense of humility. However, these historical treasures are now outnumbered by deliberately sunken vessels, which serve as artificial reefs and are celebrated in divers’ logbooks worldwide. Exploring both types of wrecks is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s maritime heritage.
Notable Shipwrecks and Artificial Reefs
Carthaginian II – A replica of an 1840s whaling ship, the Carthaginian II was intentionally submerged in 2005 off Lahaina, Hawaii, and has since become a habitat for marine life.
M/V Lulu – Located in Gulf Shores, Alabama, the M/V Lulu has attracted a diverse range of species since its 2013 sinking, although a goliath grouper has yet to take up residence.
H.M.C.S. Yukon – Off San Diego, California, the 366-foot Yukon offers divers two favored paths, one of which passes beneath the wreck among dolphins, and the other leads to the middle guns area, with many accessible smaller rooms.
U.S.S. Spiegel Grove – This massive artificial reef, located six miles off Key Largo, Florida, requires divers to be well-prepared due to unpredictable mooring and currents.
USCGC Duane – One of the oldest artificial reefs in the Florida Keys, the Duane has become a decorated habitat for various marine species.
USS Oriskany – The world’s largest artificial reef and the only accessible aircraft carrier for recreational divers, the Oriskany is now home to a variety of large marine creatures.
Eagle – Despite landing on its side in 1985, the Eagle in Islamorada, Florida, was transformed into a dynamic artificial reef after being impacted by Hurricane George in 1998.
USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg – As the world’s second-largest artificial reef, the Vandenberg offers divers a chance to explore numerous features, including antennae and radar dishes.
Engedi – Known as the “Naked Lady,” this 45-foot sailboat in Kona, Hawaii, lies in a sandy environment that attracts unique species.
Carthaginian II – Diving the Carthaginian II wreck in Maui, Hawaii, offers a unique opportunity to see resident frogfish that have made the wreck their home.
Vought F4U Corsair – Hawaii’s only authentic wreck, the Corsair fighter aircraft is remarkably well-preserved and surrounded by marine life, including garden eels and Galapagos sharks.
USS YO-257 – This Oahu, Hawaii wreck is notable for its clear penetration routes and visits from groups of stingrays.
Grecian – The Grecian, a steel steamer that sank off Alpena, Michigan, in 1906, is accessible to divers without penetration training due to the splitting of the ship’s middle.
Sandusky – Preserved by the cold depths of Lake Michigan, the wooden brig Sandusky is a must-see wreck with beloved details like its ram-shaped scroll figurehead.
Cornelia B. Windiate – The disappearance of the crew with the ship has left the truth of the Cornelia B. Windiate’s sinking a mystery. The ship is almost perfectly preserved in the waters off Alpena, Michigan.
USS Algol – Since being transformed into an artificial reef off New Jersey in 1991, the USS Algol has become a thriving oasis of marine life.
SS Oregon – Divers in Islip, New York appreciate the SS Oregon not only for its lobster harvest but also for the exposed parts of the wreck that reveal its history.
Keystorm – The Keystorm, a steel freighter that now rests in the St. Lawrence Seaway, offers a clean environment for penetration diving.
USS San Diego – As a World War I wreck and a no-take zone, the USS San Diego is a historic site with remaining artifacts for divers to explore.
USCGC Spar – The Spar, a vessel favored by sand tiger sharks, offers divers an impressive underwater spectacle off Morehead City, North Carolina.
Papoose – The Papoose, a freighter lying south of Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina, is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, including protected giant groupers.
U-352 – This German submarine off North Carolina offers divers a glimpse into its interior and the chance to spot small artifacts.
U-853 – Divers with patience can explore the U-853, a submarine surrounded by anti-sub weapons, off Block Island, Rhode Island.
USTS Texas Clipper – The Texas Clipper artificial reef near South Padre Island, Texas, attracts whale sharks and offers divers accessible decks to explore.
SS Wisconsin – The SS Wisconsin, which sank off Kenosha, Wisconsin, still houses cars and a tractor in its cargo, intriguing divers with its contents.
