Ranger

Ranger
Type:
shipwreck, steamer
Depth:
85 ft
compass

The "Ranger" is the wreck of a small nineteenth-century steamer. The entire small wreck is perhaps 100 ft in length, from the low remains of the copper-sheathed wooden bow to the broken propeller. The boiler and engine are remarkably large for such a small wreck, but the absence of towing bits, or indeed any kind of heavy machinery, makes it unlikely that this was a tugboat. An enormous low-pressure boiler feeding a rather primitive single-expansion engine places the building of the Ranger in the same period as the very similar Brunette, 1850-1870.

Shipwreck Ranger
The stem of the bow remains, with some copper sheathing.
Shipwreck Ranger
The boiler dominates the wreck
Shipwreck Ranger
The crooked single-cylinder engine is an almost art-deco design
Shipwreck Ranger
Shipwreck Ranger
A diver hunts near the shaft just behind the engine
Shipwreck Ranger
A large iron box off to the side, probably a steam condenser
Shipwreck Ranger
The propeller, half-buried, with the upper blade broken off

This is a very picturesque wreck and makes a nice photo subject on a good day ( it is also known as the "Photographer". ) the engine is a very interesting piece, and is covered with anemones and other sea life. This wreck also produces fine mussels from the higher parts. There is usually a lobster around somewhere as well.

Drawing courtesy of Aaron Hirsh


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Shipwreck 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