This little wreck is almost completely intact and upright, although now badly rusted and beginning to cave in. The hatch covers over the cargo holds are missing, and problems with these are probably the reason the vessel sank in the first place. The masts are broken off and lying in the sand, and the entire wreck is covered with sea life. Mussels are a foot thick on the top of the pilot house, along with thick stands of anemones. Lobsters can be caught in the sandy recesses around the hull, and be sure to shine your light into the big washout under the stern, where there is always a big bug lurking well out of reach. This is also sometimes a good wreck for scallops, and even the occasional Blackfish, although this small wreck can quickly be fished out of everything.
In the cargo hold, you can see the Lana Carol's final haul of scallops. Higher up, the small cabin is opened up and safely and easily penetrated, although the doorway is a little tight. Under good conditions, this is probably the most picturesque wreck of the New Jersey coast. Over the winter of 2002-2003, storms moved the wreck about 10 feet "forward", leaving her rudder embedded in the sand behind her.
The picture above is a sister ship of the Lana Carol. This vessel appears to be rigged for trawling, rather than scalloping, however. It is possible that this was her original configuration, which was probably for shrimp trawling in the Gulf of Mexico. In any case, it is very similar.
The wheelhouse
Looking forward along the starboard side towards the bow
Stairs, looking aft along the starboard side of the wheelhouse
Inside the wheelhouse, long-since stripped
Up on the roof
Looking forward from the stern
A World War II subchaser ( model )
The Ida K was a World War II subchaser. It was brought to Point Pleasant in 1977 for use as a trawler and scallop boat at the beginning of the New Jersey scallop boom. By this time the vessel was already well worn and near the end of its life. It was re-powered with twin inline-6 diesels, but the old hull was leaky and decrepit, and the strain of trawling finished it. The vessel was deliberately sunk by its owner. The original Navy designation is unknown.
On the wreck site there are many metal pieces scattered around and on the remains of a metal-sheathed wood hull. There are several large box-like steel fuel tanks. The wreck contains a great deal of interesting, if worthless, debris.
Propane tanks for the galley - valves still evident
There is all sorts of interesting junk lying around
The valuable engines and propellers were removed prior to sinking. You can still identify the propeller shafts and associated hardware, including the external shaft bracing. One rudder lies on top, with a shaft passing through a waterproof packing, ending in a tiller arm.
This is a shaft packing - the seal where the rotating propeller shaft pierces the hull.
The wreck lies north-south, in as much as it lies in any direction, and which end is the bow is anyone's guess. The bottom is reasonably clean sand, heavily furrowed. Lobster holes are everywhere, and the Ida K produces surprisingly well for such a small wreck. Look for a nice one between the aforementioned cylinders; good luck getting it out. But like any small wreck, a couple of visits could easily wipe it out. No notable fish life when I dived it, so probably not a good wreck for spearfishing.
The wooden construction is obvious here
Historical information courtesy of Brad Anderson, who sailed on her in the seventies.
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
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