Lost At Sea ~ New Jersey Scuba Diving

Lost At Sea

In January 1999, four clam boats were lost in separate incidents in the span of less than three weeks. First, on January 6, the Beth Dee Bob sank in rough weather with all hands. Two days later, the Cape Fear sank under similar circumstances. On January 18, the Adriatic went down with all hands, one day after the Ellie B ran up on the rocks at Manasquan Inlet. In total, 10 lives were lost, sparking a major Coast Guard investigation into safety practices on commercial fishing vessels.

Coast Guard Report

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Adriatic

"This picture was taken several years ago by my wife, Debbie. We were searching for the Adriatic's lost clam dredge that day. Later, after the sinking, my group of divers was the first to dive on and identify her. I used this picture at the dive site to set the dive plan and objectives."

- Capt. Duane Clause, Porthole II

Type:: shipwreck, clam dredge, USA
Built:: 1977, Master Marine, Bayou La Bâtre AL USA
Specs:: ( 74 ft ) 134 gross tons, 4 crew
Sunk:: Monday January 18, 1999
foundered in rough seas - no survivors
Depth:: 65 ft

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Beth Dee Bob

Type:: shipwreck, clam dredge, USA
Built:: 1990, Bock Marine, Beaufort NC USA
Specs:: ( 84 ft ) 96 tons, 4 crew
Sunk:: Wednesday January 6, 1999
foundered in rough seas - no survivors
Depth:: 120 ft

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Cape Fear

Under tow to the reef, with crushed wheelhouse and no masts

Type:: artificial reef, clam dredge
Built:: 1983, James K Walker Marine, Moss Point MS USA
Specs:: ( 112x24 ft ) 188 gross tons
Sunk:: Wednesday March 8, 2000 - Moriches Artificial Reef
Depth:: 75 ft
GPS:: 40°43.505' -72°46.386'

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Ellie B

Type:: shipwreck, clam dredge, USA
Built:: 1978, Ancient City Boat Yard, St. Augustine, FL USA
Specs:: ( 68 ft ) 3 crew
Sunk:: January 17, 1999; ran up on jetty
no casualties
Depth:: 15 ft

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Seaside Crane barge

Type:: shipwreck, barge
Specs:: ( 250 ft ? )
Depth:: 85 ft

A very large intact steel deck barge, lying upright, north-south. The southern end is partially collapsed and opened up, allowing easy access to at least part of the inside. Rust holes in the deck let light in throughout the rest of the interior, although they are too small to fit through. A great spearfishing site, and not bad for lobsters. The crane lies about 1/4 mile away.

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