New Jersey Scuba Diving

John S Dempster Jr. (FS-355)

Well, it's that time of year again, time to renew the web hosting. And for those of you that don't know, that has become a lot more expensive than it used to be. Fifty dollars a year is now several hundred. Not to mention the price of domain names has gone up ten-fold.

And I just found out that the nice folks at PayPal disabled all my Support buttons, and I never got a notice (although that may be my fault.) In any case, it is all working again now, so if you would like to make a small donation to help defray these costs, it would be greatly appreciated.

Type:
artificial reef, freighter, purse seiner
Built:
1944, JK Welding - Yonkers NY, as FS-355 (US Army)
Specs:
( 166 x 32 ft ) 542 tons
Sunk:
Thursday, Jan 21, 2021 - DelJerseyLand Artificial Reef
GPS:
38°31.340' -74°30.671'
Depth:
125 ft

John S Dempster Jr. is sister to Shearwater and Reedville, see those vessels for details, links in the sidebar. All three vessels were originally small Army transports, converted to Menhaden fishing by Omega Protein company. FS-355 was USCG-manned, and retained by USA as PVT Carl V. Sheridan (see below) until sold in 1972.

The aging Shearwater and Reedville were retired when Omega got two new modern vessels in 2017, but Dempster was kept as a reserve. Finally, almost 80 years old, the Dempster was sent to her reward as well. Another sister, Tangier Island, was reefed off Georgia in 2020. As of 2023, one old sister remains - Smuggler's Point, FS-400, launched in 1944!

Omega's facility in Reedville VA, with a large fishing fleet, processing plant, and grass airstrip for spotter planes. Something similar once existed in Belford.

Carl V Sheridan (January 5, 1925 - November 26, 1944) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration - the Medal of Honor - for his actions in World War II. Sheridan joined the Army from his birth city of Baltimore, Maryland in May 1943, and by November 26, 1944, was serving as a private first class in Company K, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On that day, at the Frenzenberg Castle in Weisweiler, Germany, Sheridan exposed himself to intense fire in order to blast a hole through the doors of the enemy-held castle with his bazooka. He successfully created a gap in the doors, but was killed after charging through it. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor six months later, on May 30, 1945. Sheridan, aged 19 at his death, was buried in Druid Ridge Cemetery, Pikesville, Maryland.

IMO: 7437472

Artificial Reef Sites, Artificial Reefs, Bunker Boats, Delaware Artificial Reef Sites, Delaware Artificial Reefs, DelJerseyLand Artificial Reef, Seiners,

Comments on John S Dempster Jr.

Questions or Inquiries?

Just want to say Hello? Sign the .

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Click image to replace if unable to read.

Enter the digits from the image above, except for the last one:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Pet Wreck

Type:
shipwreck, barge
Specs:
( 120 ft )
Depth:
55 ft

The "Pet Wreck" appears to be the remains of a wooden barge sunk in 60' of water 6 miles off Atlantic City. Partially intact but low lying, the wreck is good for both lobster and spearfishing. Look for lobster hiding under the large winch still in place on the forward section of the wreck.

More: Pet Wreck ...

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.

Copyright © 1996-2024 Rich Galiano
unless otherwise noted

Powered by WordPress. No, really.
Cookies blah blah whatever

This website is 100% AI-free

479 // 1147971 // 3275

Printed from njscuba.net