New Jersey Scuba Diving

John S Dempster Jr. (FS-355)

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,

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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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