Far from being a big boring box, the DVD Barge is actually a very interesting dive. The sides of this big steel barge have fallen away and lie nearby in the sand, forming large overhangs where huge schools of Blackfish, Sea Bass, and Porgies can be found. But what makes this reef really interesting is that from bow to stern, the entire interior is exposed along both sides.
Inside is a jungle-gym of diagonal braces and struts - dark, but not confining, with outside light always in view. The bottom of the interior is covered with sand, giving the impression that you are under a pier rather than inside a barge. The top of the barge is also covered with sand, and looks just like the surrounding bottom. Pink hydroids carpet much of the structure.
A hatch on the deck. No need for this, though ...
Looking down an open side at the exposed frames
One end of the barge is completely fallen apart
A large slab of reinforced concrete deposited in 2006
The concrete pictured above came from a retaining wall
situated along the East River in New York City.
A great deal of concrete rubble has been dropped around and on the barge. Big pieces and piles seem to be in every direction. Along with this, there are a large number of lobster traps around, most of them lost. Unfortunately, there don't seem to be many lobsters around, but the traps are also very effective on fish, and it is easy to scoop a trapped fish right into your bag. ( Lost traps will go on killing fish for a long time unless they are opened up. )
The only downside to this site is the unavoidable web of monofilament that seems to snag you wherever you go, but this is much more of an annoyance than a danger. Other than that, the DVD barge is a diver's playground at only 65 feet.
Now that's a lot of starfish.
Starfish and hydroids
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
