New Jersey Scuba Diving

Dual Wrecks (1/2)

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Shipwreck Rusland
The Rusland, aground, with onlookers.
Type:
Adonis - shipwreck, wood-hulled bark
Rusland - shipwreck, iron-hulled steamer, England
Built:
Adonis - 1853, Germany
Rusland - 1872, Scotland, as Kenilworth
Specs:
Adonis - 550 tons, 12 crew
Rusland - ( 345 x 37 ft ) 2538 gross tons, ~200 passengers & crew
Depth:
25 ft
Sunk:
Adonis - Tuesday March 8, 1859 - ran aground in bad weather, no casualties
Rusland - Saturday March 17, 1877 - ran aground in bad weather, no casualties
Shipwreck Rusland
compass

The "Dual Wrecks" consists of a low debris field of interlocking wreckage, millstones, and ballast stones, no longer accessible from shore.

The Rusland might have been pulled off the beach and saved, had it not run aground directly atop the old wreck of the little Adonis and become impaled on her cargo of large millstones. The Rusland now lies along the beach, with the smaller Adonis perpendicular to it. The French steamer L'Amerique went aground in the same storm nearby but was successfully gotten off the beach.

Shipwreck Rusland
Shipwreck Rusland
An old sketch of the Rusland, with her stern laying atop the Adonis, at right.

This wreck site is easily within reach from the beach. However, that section of the beach can only be accessed through a Catholic Retreat located there. The retreat used to allow divers, but some people abused the privilege ( loud partying on the beach, beer bottles and trash strewn around, ) and now it is off-limits. It is a long walk around and over several jetties to get there any other way, pretty much impossible with a full load of gear. Too bad.

Shipwreck Dual Wrecks ranges
Harpers Weekly magazine
The wrecking of the Adonis from Harpers Weekly magazine
Shipwreck Rusland New York Times
Shipwreck Rusland New York Times
Amerique
French steamer L'Amerique, grounded a few miles away in Sea Bright at the same time as the Rusland. L'Amerique was lucky and came off the beach easily several days later.
Tides
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Dive Sites, New Jersey Coast Dive Sites, New Jersey Dive Sites, Sailing Ships, Sandy Hook Dive Sites, Steamers,

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Dive Lights

8-D-cell light with lantern grip
8-D-cell light with lantern grip
now extinct

In the murky waters off New Jersey, you are going to need a powerful dive light if it is to be of any real usefulness. There are many different types of underwater lights to choose from.

Bulb Type

Nowadays, LEDs are the only way to go. They are cheap, bright, and efficient. They throw a white light that is much better than the dingy yellow of the old incandescent technology. Incandescent lights are completely obsolete. HID lights were never reliable, and terribly expensive.

Beam pattern is probably more important than brightness, Your main light should throw a wide beam, for area illumination. Many lights throw a narrow pencil beam that appears to be brighter but is actually less useful. These are best used as backups and in special situations, such as camera strobe aimers. Some lights are adjustable.

More: Dive Lights ...

Disclaimer:

I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.

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