New Jersey Scuba Diving

Patrick McHugh

Charlie McGurr reef
Type:
artificial reef, tugboat
Built:
1951, Matton Shipyard, Cohoes NY USA as Edward Matton
Specs:
( 85 x 23 ft )
Sponsor:
Ocean Wreck Divers
Sunk:
Tuesday September 12, 2000 - Axel Carlson Artificial Reef
GPS:
40°02.473' -73°59.599'
Depth:
80 ft, top at 60 ft

This must have been a very decrepit old hulk of a canal tugboat when it was selected for use as a reef. The hull shows rust damage far in excess of what could have occurred in such a short time on the bottom, and the whole thing just looks beat-up. It is very similar to the Spartan, with the engine room roof cut off, and the engine removed, and the movable pilot house lowered. The washout under the stern is cavernous, with a large rudder and propeller.

Charlie McGurr reef
Charlie McGurr reef
The pilothouse. The spray-painted name Charles J. McGurr, for whom the reef is named, is barely visible, soon to be overgrown.

The interior of the ship is easily explored. The wheelhouse can be reached from the inside by squeezing down a narrow companionway. The vessel was completely stripped, but many of the interior fittings, including restored lamps and portholes, can now be purchased from www.TugBoatBrass.com.

Two-story wheelhouse

Built in 1951, by Matton Shipyard of Cohoes, New York (hull #301) as the Edward Matton. She was then acquired by the Morania Oil Tanker Corporation where she was renamed Morania No. 9. The tug was later sold and renamed Patrick J. McHugh.

tugboatinformation.com

Artificial Reef Sites, Artificial Reefs, Axel Carlson Artificial Reef, Moran Towing Company, New Jersey Artificial Reef Sites, New Jersey Artificial Reefs, Tugboats,

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Strobe Light

strobe light

Day or night, an inexpensive flashing strobe light hanging from the anchor chain will guide you home. At night, it may be the only thing that leads you back to the up-line, and even during the day, it is reassuring to look up and see it blinking in the distance. Under some conditions, it can relieve you of the need to use a wreck reel, something that any spearfisherman would appreciate.

In fact, the more strobe lights there are hanging from the anchor line, the better. The presence of your strobe light signals to other divers that you are still down. Don't get one of the miniature AA-powered models, get a big bright one that you can see from a distance through murky water. The tektite Strobe 300 (pictured) is the biggest and brightest model available, and probably the best for use in our murky waters.

More: Strobe Light ...

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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