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

Dedication:

Charles J. McGurr Jr

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.

Built in 1951, by Matton Shipyard of Cohoes, New York (hull #301) as the Edward Matton. She was then acquired by the Morania Oil Tanker Corporation where she was renamed Morania No. 9. The tug was later sold and renamed Patrick J. McHugh.