120 Wreck

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Shipwreck 120 Wreck side-scan
Side-scan sonar image
Type:
shipwreck, schooner barge
Depth:
80 ft

You might first guess that the 120 Wreck is named for its depth, but actually, it is named for the 120-degree compass heading taken to get to it from Manasquan Inlet. The real name of this wreck is long lost to time, just another expendable schooner barge from the late 1800s / early 1900s.

Today the 120 Wreck consists of a nearly contiguous low wooden debris field, perhaps 200 feet long. A large towing bit near the bow indicates that this was a schooner barge and not a self-propelled sailing ship. At the other end of the site, a lost scallop dredge is wedged into the stern of the wreck.

The ribs and decking form many holes, tunnels, and overhangs, ideal homes for sea life, of which there is a great deal. Large crabs, Sea Bass, Blackfish, and ling can be found, as well as an abundance of lobsters. In fact, this part of the wreck is often referred to as "Heartbreak Alley" - a choice lobster every two feet or so, all out of reach! Smaller pieces of wreckage ( not shown ) lie scattered around the area.

Shipwreck 120 Wreck
The bow towing bit
Shipwreck 120 Wreck
Chains still wrapped around the bow winch
Shipwreck 120 Wreck
Ribs and decking, viewed over the keel
Shipwreck 120 Wreck
The scallop dredge in the stern of the wreck.
Shipwreck 120 Wreck
It is perhaps 8 feet across.

Side-scan sonar image courtesy of Capt. Steve Nagiewicz.


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Sparrow
Red-Eyed Vireo

It is not at all uncommon for small songbirds to be blown out to sea in a strong west wind ( or a north wind, for Long Island. ) Unable to make their way back to land, these tiny fliers eventually tire and drop into the water, or get picked off by seagulls. In desperation, they will alight on anything solid to rest. An anchored dive boat makes an easy target and may collect several hitchhikers over the course of a day. This little guy was so exhausted that he even perched on a finger for photographs. Generally, though, you should just leave them alone and not frighten them further, and they will fly away on their own once the boat gets back to land.

Printed from njscuba.net