New Jersey Scuba Diving

Dual Wrecks (1/2)

Shipwreck Rusland
The Rusland, aground, with onlookers.
Type:
Adonis - shipwreck, wood-hulled bark
Rusland - shipwreck, iron-hulled steamer, England
Built:
Adonis - 1853, Germany
Rusland - 1872, Scotland, as Kenilworth
Specs:
Adonis - 550 tons, 12 crew
Rusland - ( 345 x 37 ft ) 2538 gross tons, ~200 passengers & crew
Depth:
25 ft
Sunk:
Adonis - Tuesday March 8, 1859 - ran aground in bad weather, no casualties
Rusland - Saturday March 17, 1877 - ran aground in bad weather, no casualties
Shipwreck Rusland
compass

The "Dual Wrecks" consists of a low debris field of interlocking wreckage, millstones, and ballast stones, no longer accessible from shore.

The Rusland might have been pulled off the beach and saved, had it not run aground directly atop the old wreck of the little Adonis and become impaled on her cargo of large millstones. The Rusland now lies along the beach, with the smaller Adonis perpendicular to it. The French steamer L'Amerique went aground in the same storm nearby but was successfully gotten off the beach.

Shipwreck Rusland
Shipwreck Rusland
An old sketch of the Rusland, with her stern laying atop the Adonis, at right.

This wreck site is easily within reach from the beach. However, that section of the beach can only be accessed through a Catholic Retreat located there. The retreat used to allow divers, but some people abused the privilege ( loud partying on the beach, beer bottles and trash strewn around, ) and now it is off-limits. It is a long walk around and over several jetties to get there any other way, pretty much impossible with a full load of gear. Too bad.

Shipwreck Dual Wrecks ranges
Harpers Weekly magazine
The wrecking of the Adonis from Harpers Weekly magazine
Shipwreck Rusland New York Times
Shipwreck Rusland New York Times
Amerique
French steamer L'Amerique, grounded a few miles away in Sea Bright at the same time as the Rusland. L'Amerique was lucky and came off the beach easily several days later.
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Dive Sites, New Jersey Coast Dive Sites, New Jersey Dive Sites, Sailing Ships, Sandy Hook Dive Sites, Steamers,

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Tanks & Hardware

beer can doubles
beer can doubles

Surprisingly, of all the devices that make up an underwater diving kit, the last to be developed was a suitable air reservoir. Demand air valves ( regulators to you and me, ) masks, fins, snorkels, weights, even drysuits may be found in the historical record up to several hundred years ago, but because of material and manufacturing requirements, the high-capacity high-pressure portable air cylinder is a relatively recent development. ( Jacques Cousteau often gets credit for something he did not invent - the demand-valve regulator predates him considerably, although he did much to perfect its application to diving. )

2016 Update

Litigation has caused manufacturers to leave the market, and be replaced by others, who then left, and then others come back. From year to year, there's no telling what brand of tanks may be available, but the specs and recommendations below should apply to any.

More: Tanks & Hardware ...

Disclaimer:

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.

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