Atlantus

Shipwreck Atlantus
Type:
shipwreck, freighter, USA
Built:
1918, Brunswick GA USA
Specs:
( 260 x 43 ft ) 2000 gross tons, no crew
Sunk:
Tuesday June 8, 1926
dragged anchor and grounded in storm while awaiting final disposition
Depth:
25 ft
Shipwreck Atlantus

Atlantus was one of a class of experimental concrete ships built during World War I. The hull was constructed of reinforced concrete rather than steel, which had become scarce during the war. While this design offered a number of advantages, including lower noise and vibration, and a dryer cargo space, it was not economically competitive with steel hulls when peacetime resumed.

Shipwreck Atlantus
Shipwreck Atlantus
Shipwreck Atlantus
The breakdown of the wreck over time
Shipwreck Atlantus
The broken concrete remains of the Atlantus. The left piece looks like a hull section leaning over about 80 degrees on its side. Note all the rusty rebar jutting out of the right section.
Shipwreck Atlantus
The strong currents that swirl around the wreckage are evident here.

The Cape May - Lewes Ferry is crossing in the distance, while people on the beach look for "Cape May diamonds" - pretty quartz stones found on the beach. I wouldn't dive this spot, but it's a nice place to stop for lunch. The Cape May lighthouse and the ferry terminal are a short drive away.


Comments on Atlantus

Questions or Inquiries?

Just want to say Hello? Sign the .

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Click image to replace if unable to read.

Enter the digits from the image above, except for the last one:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


wire drag
A fine diagram of a wire-drag operation. The wire is towed between two tugboats, suspended by buoys at a predisposed depth. When the cable snags on an obstruction and draws into a V, the buoys point to its location.

Wire dragging is an operation used to locate and/or reduce the navigational hazard of a sunken wreck, rock, or other obstruction.

Printed from njscuba.net