RJ Walker / $25 Wreck (1/2)

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Shipwreck Robert J. Walker
Type:
shipwreck, side-wheel steamer USA
Built:
Nov 27, 1847
Specs:
( 133 x 31 ft ) tons
Sunk:
June 21, 1860
collision with schooner Fanny
Depth:
85 ft

This site was found in the 1970s by a commercial fisherman. The numbers were sold for $25, hence the name. Originally an armed Revenue Cutter like the RC Mohawk, the Walker was found to be less than satisfactory - the early steam propulsion systems were troublesome and inefficient. Eventually, the vessel was transferred from the Revenue Service to the Coast Survey Service, where it proved to be a vast improvement over the sail-powered vessels of the era for this sort of work. Being self-propelled, the Walker could simply motor up to the survey site and easily stay on station, not subject to the vagaries of the wind. The wreck was positively identified in 2013.

Shipwreck Robert J. Walker side-scan
Side-scan sonar image with the bow at the top
Shipwreck Robert J. Walker
An anchor
Shipwreck Robert J. Walker
Another anchor, with the first one in the background
Shipwreck Robert J. Walker
A paddlewheel hub
Shipwreck Robert J. Walker
An engine
Shipwreck Robert J. Walker
The research team
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Red Fox

Vulpes fulva

Size: to 25" (about the size of a beagle)

Habitat: wherever there is food

Notes: Alright, this is not exactly a marine mammal. However, these rascals are becoming so common along the Jersey Shore that I thought I would mention them. They are especially common at Sandy Hook and Long Beach Island, where they live on handouts from beach-goers. It is important not to feed them, as this has caused a population explosion, and also makes them bolder with humans, and potentially dangerous. In the off-season, they prey on certain threatened shorebirds as well.

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