New Jersey Scuba Diving

Type:

artificial reef, tugboat

Built:

1951, Cohoes NY USA as Edward Matton

Specs:

( 85 x 23 ft )

Sponsor:

Ocean Wreck Divers

Sunk:

Tuesday September 12, 2000 - Axel Carlson Artificial Reef

GPS:

40°02.473' -73°59.599'

Depth:

80 ft, top at 60 ft

This must have been a very decrepit old hulk of a canal tugboat when it was selected for use as a reef. The hull shows rust damage far in excess of what could have occurred in such a short time on the bottom, and the whole thing just looks beat-up. It is very similar to the Spartan, with the engine room roof cut off, and the engine removed, and the movable pilot house lowered. The washout under the stern is cavernous, with a large rudder and propeller.

The interior of the ship is easily explored. The wheelhouse can be reached from the inside by squeezing down a narrow companionway. The vessel was completely stripped, but many of the interior fittings, including restored lamps and portholes, can now be purchased from www.TugBoatBrass.com.