Atlantus

Shipwreck Atlantus
Type:
shipwreck, freighter, USA
Built:
1918, Liberty Shipbuilding, Brunswick GA USA
Specs:
( 260 x 43 ft ) 2000 gross tons, no crew
Sunk:
Tuesday June 8, 1926
dragged anchor and grounded in storm while awaiting final disposition
Depth:
25 ft
Shipwreck Atlantus

Atlantus was one of a class of experimental concrete ships built during World War I. The hull was constructed of reinforced concrete rather than steel, which had become scarce during the war. While this design offered a number of advantages, including lower noise and vibration, and a dryer cargo space, it was not economically competitive with steel hulls when peacetime resumed.

Shipwreck Atlantus
Shipwreck Atlantus
Shipwreck Atlantus
The breakdown of the wreck over time
Shipwreck Atlantus
The broken concrete remains of the Atlantus. The left piece looks like a hull section leaning over about 80 degrees on its side. Note all the rusty rebar jutting out of the right section.
Shipwreck Atlantus
The strong currents that swirl around the wreckage are evident here.

The Cape May - Lewes Ferry is crossing in the distance, while people on the beach look for "Cape May diamonds" - pretty quartz stones found on the beach. I wouldn't dive this spot, but it's a nice place to stop for lunch. The Cape May lighthouse and the ferry terminal are a short drive away.

Atlantus


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Shark River - Looking back from the end of the south jetty
Looking back from the end of the south jetty.
Type:
smallish tidal river inlet with stone jetties or bulkheads on both sides
Depth:
15 ft

The Shark River is your best bet for shore diving in the northern half of the New Jersey coastline, far better than the Manasquan River. Shark River offers at least four different locations to dive: either side of the inlet, with rock jetties to explore, slightly upstream at A Street in Belmar, and upriver in the back bay area at L Street, Belmar. The wreck of the Malta is also just a few blocks south on the beach, but hardly worth diving.