New Jersey Scuba Diving

Dual Wrecks (1/2)

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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Copper, Brass & Bronze

copper penny

Copper, brass, and bronze are all relatively immune to saltwater corrosion. Brass artifacts of all sorts are easily cleaned up into shiny souvenirs for those who value them. Bright green copper sheets and tubes add color to many wrecks, while bronze is the material of choice for the most coveted of all diver's artifacts - a ship's bell.

Copper and some of its alloys have been used by humanity since the Bronze Age. One of the first metals known to humans, free copper was probably mined in the Tigris-Euphrates valley as long ago as the 5th century BC. Cyprus, from which the metal's name originally comes, was the primary source of copper in the ancient world.

More: Copper, Brass & Bronze ...

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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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