New Jersey Scuba Diving

Sea Transporter YF-879

YF-879 - March 1975

Type:: artificial reef, trawler, USA
Specs:: ( 133 x 30 ft )
Built:: 1945, American Bridge, Ambridge PA, as YF-879
Sponsor:: Cape May County Party & Charter Boat Association, Atlantic Cape Fisheries, Artificial Reef Association
Sunk:: Friday August 21, 1992 - Cape May Artificial Reef
GPS:: 38°53.118' -74°40.190'
Depth:: 70 ft

Sea Transporter - October 1975

YF-879 was sold by the Navy in 1974 and became marine survey ship Sea Transporter. By 1977 the vessel had been moved from southern California to Port Arthur Texas for a government study in the Gulf of Mexico, which was published in 1979. For the survey, Sea Transporter was equipped with side-scan sonar and underwater video cameras. Later the vessel was converted to commercial fishing, and finished its days in New Jersey. Exactly how it was modified for fishing is unclear, although it appears a deckhouse was added over the cargo hold.

YF-852 class covered lighter (self-propelled)

Displacement: 300 t.(lt) 650 t.(fl)
Length: 133'
Beam: 30'
Draft: 9'
Speed: 10 kts
Armament: none
Complement: one officer, ten enlisted
Propulsion: 2x 500hp diesel, twin screws

A large number of these small freighters were built during World War II, with slight variations to the design.

568087

Artificial Reef Sites, Artificial Reefs, Cape May Artificial Reef, Freighters, Military Reefs, New Jersey Artificial Reef Sites, New Jersey Artificial Reefs, Trawlers,

Cape May Artificial Reef

Cape May Artificial Reef

8.5 Nautical Miles off Cape May, 5.34 sq miles
Depth: 50-75 ft [download]

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Cape May Dive Sites Chart

Cape May Chart

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Spearfishing Techniques

General

blackfish

Most underwater hunting in New Jersey waters is done around some sort of structure. Surprise is often the key element to a successful hunt. "Get the drop" on a fish by rounding a corner or popping up over a wall while holding your breath. Don't use a light - this just spooks the fish. Instead, let your eyes adjust to the dark. This way you can see as well as they can, although they can still hear and feel you coming a mile away. Use your light only to peek into black holes, and keep one eye closed when you do, to avoid losing all dark adaptation.

Try to be the first person in the water. The fish will be in a relaxed and unworried state, and you will likely get the first one "for free". This is especially true if you are after trophy-sized Blackfish. Whether or not you score on your first shot, after that all the fish in the area will be spooked. This is because they produce "fear scents" - chemical excretions that warn other fish that there is danger. If you make a kill, you will put blood in the water, which is even worse. So make that first shot count. On the other hand, sometimes the scent of blood will bring in more fish, such as greedy Sea Bass, although more often just Cunners.

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