New Jersey Scuba Diving

Celtic / Cape Race

Shipwreck Celtic
Type:
Celtic - shipwreck, canal tugboat, USA
Cape Race - shipwreck, barge, Oyster Bay NY USA
Built:
Celtic - 1958, Jakobson Shipyard, Oyster Bay NY USA as Russell 10
Specs:
Celtic - ( 85 ft ) 6 crew
Cape Race - ( 150 ft )
Sunk:
Saturday November 17, 1984
barge foundered, pulling tug down with it - no survivors
Depth:
60 ft

Built in 1958, by Jakobson Shipyard of Oyster Bay, New York (hull #383) as the tug Russell 10 for the Russell Brothers Towing Company of New York, New York. In 1961, the tug was acquired by the McAllister Brothers Towing Company of New York, New York, and in 1963 she was renamed Judith McAllister. In 1978, the tug was acquired by the Eklof Marine Corporation of Staten Island, New York, and renamed Celtic.

On November 17th, 1984 she was towing the 145 x 45 ft barge Cape Race via Long Island Sound from Bridgeport, Connecticut to Port Newark New Jersey. When the Celtic failed to answer radio calls and did not arrive on schedule the Coast Guard was contacted. The Coast Guard located the Celtic under an oil slick in 70 ft of water. She was 1.5 miles south of Sheffield Island. The position of the sunken tug is marked by buoy "WR-28" at Sheffield Island near Norwalk, Connecticut.

The bodies of her five crew members were retrieved by police divers. It is speculated that the tug was pulled down when the barge sank. The wreck remains intact and upright with barge still attached by her hawser. She was a single screw tug rated at 1,600 horsepower.

tugboatinformation.com

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Spearfishing Techniques

General

blackfish

Most underwater hunting in New Jersey waters is done around some sort of structure. Surprise is often the key element to a successful hunt. "Get the drop" on a fish by rounding a corner or popping up over a wall while holding your breath. Don't use a light - this just spooks the fish. Instead, let your eyes adjust to the dark. This way you can see as well as they can, although they can still hear and feel you coming a mile away. Use your light only to peek into black holes, and keep one eye closed when you do, to avoid losing all dark adaptation.

Try to be the first person in the water. The fish will be in a relaxed and unworried state, and you will likely get the first one "for free". This is especially true if you are after trophy-sized Blackfish. Whether or not you score on your first shot, after that all the fish in the area will be spooked. This is because they produce "fear scents" - chemical excretions that warn other fish that there is danger. If you make a kill, you will put blood in the water, which is even worse. So make that first shot count. On the other hand, sometimes the scent of blood will bring in more fish, such as greedy Sea Bass, although more often just Cunners.

More: Spearfishing Techniques ...

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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