Cape May Dive Sites (7/9)

Cape May Chart

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The Mullica River

Chapter 4

Hidden History of Maritime New Jersey

The Mullica River Shipwrecks and the Revolutionary War

reprinted from
Hidden History of Maritime New Jersey
Steve Nagiewicz

New Jersey has commonly been known as the "Crossroads of the American Revolution." So many of the major Revolutionary War battles were fought here at places that jump off the pages of our history textbooks, like the Battles of Monmouth, Princeton, and Trenton and, of course, the iconic Delaware Crossing on Christmas Day by General George Washington in 1776. Washington and his main army, it seems, had spent more time in New Jersey than any other place. Of course, New Jersey's geographic position between New York and Philadelphia was a large part of that "Crossroads" title. Not surprisingly, the ocean provided another type of crossroad - one that was faster, more direct, and with the ability to send large amounts of supplies and troops by sea and along our coastline.


Sandbar Shark
Sandbar Shark
New Jersey State Aquarium - Camden

Volunteer divers at the aquarium assist with food preparation, cleaning and maintaining work area and exhibits, perform dive demonstrations, and assist aquarists when necessary. Volunteer must be a certified diver age 18 years and older with at least 25 logged dives; 5 in the last 2 years and 2 in the last 12 months. Volunteer must be able to commit to 2 eight-hour work shifts per month ( same day every other week. ) Volunteer applications are available at the information desk.


Type:
shipwreck, barge
Built:
1918
Specs:
1267 tons
Sunk:
Sunday December 10, 1933
foundered in rough seas
Depth:
70 ft

low lying wood & metal debris field


Shipwreck Northern Pacific
In wartime camouflage paint scheme, with guns at the bow and stern
( obviously retouched by censors. )
Type:
shipwreck, liner, USA
Built:
1915, Cramp Shipbuilding, Philadelphia PA USA
Specs:
( 509 x 63 ft ) 8256 gross tons, 28 crew
Sunk:
Wednesday February 8, 1922
burned - 4 casualties
Depth:
140 ft

Type:
shipwreck, iron-hulled screw steamer
Built:
1881, England
Specs:
( 287 x 37 ft ) 1963 gross tons
Sunk:
Saturday September 23, 1882
ran aground - no casualties
Yellow Water Lily

Coast Guard records denote this wreck as "disproved" - no longer there. It was removed as a hazard to navigation. Nuphar is the genus name for Water Lilies.


Ocean City Artificial Reef

4.5 Nautical Miles off Ocean City, 1.35 sq miles
Depth: 55-70 ft [download]


Shipwreck Oklahoma
Type:
shipwreck, tanker, USA
Built:
1908, New York Shipbuilding, Camden NJ USA
Specs:
( 419 x 55 ft ) 5853 gross tons, 38 crew
Sunk:
Sunday January 4, 1914
broke in half in storm - 25 casualties

Shipwreck Patrice McAllister
Patrice McAllister in 1976, shortly before her loss
Type:
shipwreck, tugboat, USA
Built:
1919, Johnson Iron Works, New Orleans LA USA, as Degrey
Specs:
( 94 x 24 ft ) 201 gross tons, no crew
Sunk:
Monday October 4, 1976
foundered in storm while under tow - no casualties
Depth:
55 ft

Type:
shipwreck, barge
Specs:
( 120 ft )
Depth:
55 ft

The "Pet Wreck" appears to be the remains of a wooden barge sunk in 60' of water 6 miles off Atlantic City. Partially intact but low lying, the wreck is good for both lobster and spearfishing. Look for lobster hiding under the large winch still in place on the forward section of the wreck.


Shipwreck Poseidon
Type:
shipwreck, iron-hulled screw freighter, USA
Built:
1914, Scotland
Specs:
( 295 x 43 ft ) 1909 tons
Sunk:
Wednesday July 31, 1918
collision with freighter SS Somerset
Depth:
90 ft


A regulator is usually among the first pieces of dive gear that a beginner will buy. Often, with a little help from your sales representative, you will be coaxed into buying much more in this department than you really need, and skimping or putting off purchases in other areas that would benefit you much more. This is a shame since much of the other gear you buy will make much more of a difference to you when you are actually in the water. Before you dismiss this statement as heresy, please consider my reasoning.