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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Atlantic Menhaden

Atlantic Menhaden

Scientific Name:
Brevoortia tyrannus

Atlantic Menhaden:
A Profile

Family:
Clupeidae

Size:
12"-15"
1 lb.

Common Names:
menhaden, bunker, mossbunker, pogy, fatback, alewife, bugfish, skipjack

Although this herring is generally considered unfit for human consumption, the menhaden fishery is one of the most important and productive fisheries on the Atlantic coast. For years, it has provided coastal communities with a stable source of employment and the nation with a major source of protein on a renewable and environmentally sound basis.

More: Atlantic Menhaden ...

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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