A huge towing bit in use on a turn-of-the-century tugboat. Notice the smaller
deck cleat, and the steam-powered capstan in the foreground.
The bow towing bit in front of the wheelhouse on a more modern tugboat - the
G.A. Venturo.
Towing bit on the Ingrid Ann
A large towing bit fallen over in the sand on the Riggy wreck.
A similar but even bigger towing bit upended on the "Middle barge".
Such an artifact is a sure sign of a schooner barge wreck.
The two tops of the towing bit are evident in the bow of this schooner barge. A similar
arrangement would be found in the stern. On barges, the bits were mounted lengthwise,
whereas on the tugboat above it appears to be mounted transversely.
An enormous iron mooring bit on the Oregon.
Cast-iron mooring bit recovered from the Delaware using 500 pound lift bags. The casting
proved to be hollow, and not as heavy as you might think, perhaps 250 pounds. The same
article would be called a bollard if installed on land.
... with a lot of cleaning-up and anti-corrosion paint ...
Possibly the most preposterous artifact that has ever been recovered is one of the masts from the
Lightship Relief. Over 50 ft long and weighing some 6000 pounds, the mast was recovered by divers in 1976, and set up in front of a dive shop in Laurence Harbor. ( It was called "Diver's Cove". )
The dive shop has long since closed, and the huge mast now lies off to the side, a rusting eyesore. The present owner of the property claims it is a registered historic landmark. Apparently not so - as of March 2008 it was hauled away as garbage. Better that it was just left in the sea, but this is the fate of many divers' "artifacts."
The mast of another shipwreck - the Malta.
Disguised as a flagpole, 8th Avenue, Belmar.
Barge photo courtesy of Capt. Dan Berg of AquaExplorers
I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.
Copyright © 1996-2008 Rich Galiano
unless otherwise noted
