Morania Abaco

Morania Abaco reef
Type:
artificial reef, tanker, USA
Built:
1958, RTC Shipbuilding, Camden NJ USA
Specs:
( 264 x 48 ft )
Sponsor:
Morania Oil Company, Army Reserve, Navy EOD
Sunk:
Monday November 18, 1985 - Atlantic City Artificial Reef
GPS:
39°14.133' -74°12.154'
Depth:
110 ft
Morania Abaco reef
Morania Abaco reef
The vessel was sunk by a Navy demolitions team from Earle Naval Weapons Station

The Morania Abaco sits upright on a sandy bottom looming of the sea floor, looking like the classic "made for TV" shipwreck. Penetration is easy. Two levels of her pilothouse were removed before sinking, as was her engine. Fish abound, and lobster can be found in her lower compartments. Visibility is typical for the area, ranging from 20 to 50 ft. When water is clearer in August and September, she's a good photography wreck.

Historic photo courtesy of McAllister Towing


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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.