Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites

Wrecks brought back to the surface and shown in museums, from the Vasa to the Mary Rose, and the great wrecks that divers visit today.

This chapter of Lost at Sea holds 47 ships. For each one we give what she was, when and where she was lost, why she is remembered and where she lies today. See all 489 ships on one page.

Marea can build any of these ships as she was on the day she sailed, with the maximum detail the records permit. Many of these wrecks are war graves or the resting place of those lost with them, and we build them with that in mind.

This database was put together by Ai Refloat™, Marea’s own artificial intelligence, from museums, heritage registers, archaeological reports, official inquiries, newspapers and encyclopaedias. Ai Refloat is still young & like any teenager, it can be a little volatile and unpredictable at times, but above all, it is learning fast. So this list may well contain mistakes and we welcome the input of everyone who knows these ships better than we do.

Have you spotted a mistake, or is a wreck missing? Tell us which ship and what to correct, and we will amend it accordingly. Tell us here

The ships

Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Greek
Kyrenia ship Other causes
c. 294 BC or sometime after · About one nautical mile north-east of Kyrenia harbour, Cyprus, at 33 m
The ship Ancient Greek merchant ship, Greek
Built 4th century BC
Size Almost 14.7 by 4.4 m
Aboard Thought to have had a crew of four (captain and three sailors)
An already old merchant ship sank off Kyrenia carrying 381 amphoras of wine, olive oil and almonds, 29 millstones and iron billets. The source does not state a definite cause.
Why she is remembered A 4th century BC Greek merchant ship found with her cargo; replicas Kyrenia II (1985), Kyrenia III (1988) and Kyrenia Liberty (2002) have been built.
The wreck today Found in November 1965 by diving instructor Andreas Cariolou and rediscovered in 1967; excavated 1967 to 1969 under Michael Katzev. Displayed in the Ancient Shipwreck Museum in Kyrenia Castle.
Sources differ Sinking given as about 294 BC and as between 294 and 291 BC.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Mgiganteus1, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Viking Age Norway
Oseberg ship Never lost at sea
Buried in autumn 834 (dendrochronology) · Burial mound at the Oseberg farm near Tønsberg, Vestfold, Norway
The ship Viking longship (probably a karve), clinker built almost entirely of oak, used as a burial ship, Viking Age Norway
Built Parts date from as early as 800
Size 21.58 m long, 5.10 m beam, mast about 9 to 10 m; 15 pairs of oar holes for up to 30 rowers
Aboard Two female skeletons were found in the grave
Not a wreck: the ship was hauled ashore and buried in a mound as the grave of two women of very high status, with rich grave goods.
Why she is remembered Commonly acknowledged to be among the finest artefacts to survive from the Viking Age.
The wreck today Excavated 1904 to 1905 by Gabriel Gustafson and Haakon Shetelig; displayed at the Viking Ship Museum, Bygdøy, Oslo.
Sources differ The second woman was first estimated at 25 to 30 years old, later 50 to 55.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Petter Ulleland, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Viking Age Norway, Ireland and Denmark
Skuldelev ships (Skuldelev 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6) Scuttled
Around 1070 · Roskilde Fjord, Denmark
The ship Viking ships: seagoing cargo ship (knarr), longship warship, small cargo ship, snekkja warship, fishing or ferry boat, Viking Age Norway, Ireland and Denmark
Built Skuldelev 1 about 1030, Sognefjord, Norway; Skuldelev 2 about 1042, Dublin area; Skuldelev 3 about 1040, Denmark; Skuldelev 5 about 1030, Roskilde area; Skuldelev 6 about 1030, Sognefjord
Size Skuldelev 1: 16 by 4.8 m; Skuldelev 2: about 30 by 3.8 m (crew 70 to 80); Skuldelev 3: 14 by 3.3 m; Skuldelev 5: 17.3 by 2.5 m; Skuldelev 6: 11.2 by 2.5 m
Five ships were deliberately sunk in Roskilde Fjord as an early form of blockship, to block a navigable channel against seaborne attack.
Why she is remembered They give the clearest picture of the range of Viking ship types, and the museum has built sailing reconstructions of all five.
The wreck today Salvaged 1957 to 1962 by the Danish National Museum; exhibited at the Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde.
Sources differ First counted as six ships until Skuldelev 2 and 4 were found to be one ship.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this ship has been found yet.
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · China (Southern Song dynasty)
Nanhai One Storm
Southern Song dynasty (1127 to 1279) · South China Sea
The ship Cargo ship, China (Southern Song dynasty)
Built Southern Song dynasty, 1127 to 1279
Size 30.4 m
A Song dynasty trading ship sank on the Maritime Silk Road with a cargo now estimated at 60,000 to 80,000 items, including porcelain, coins, about 130 kg of silver bars and a gold waist chain.
Why she is remembered Described as the biggest ship of its kind found and the first ancient vessel discovered on the Maritime Silk Road.
The wreck today Found in 1987 by Maritime Exploration & Recoveries PLC of Southampton in a joint venture with the Guangzhou branch of the Chinese Salvage Company; raised in 2007 and housed in the 'Crystal Palace', a pool about 12 m deep in the purpose-built Maritime Silk Route Museum, Guangdong, where visitors watch the excavation continue through windows.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Gisling, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Hanseatic (Bremen)
Bremen cog Storm
About 1380 · River Weser, Bremen, Germany
The ship Cog, Hanseatic (Bremen)
Built About 1380 (dendrochronology), Bremen
Size 24 m long, 8 m beam, sides just over 4 m high; load capacity estimated at 130 tons (other estimates 90 tons)
The cog appears to have drifted away from the shipyard during a storm flood before she was finished and sank in the Weser.
Why she is remembered A medieval cog of about 1380, recovered and conserved after almost six centuries in the Weser.
The wreck today Found on 8 October 1962 during dredging. Impregnated with polyethylene glycol for 18 years; displayed at the German Maritime Museum, Bremerhaven, since 2000.
Sources differ Cargo capacity estimates range from 90 to 130 tons.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Olga Ernst, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · England
Mary Rose War
19 July 1545 · Off Spithead, the Solent, England
The ship Carrack, warship, England
Built Laid down 29 January 1510, launched July 1511, completed 1512, Portsmouth
Size Keel about 32 m, moulded breadth about 12 m; 500 tons burthen, 700 to 800 tons after 1536 rebuilding
Aboard Crew of at least 400 (typical wartime complement 185 soldiers, 200 sailors, 20 to 30 gunners plus specialists)
Lives lost Fewer than 35 escaped, a casualty rate of over 90%
The carrack sank in the Solent during an engagement with French galleys. The most widely held theory is that a strong gust of wind hit the sails at a critical moment and water flooded in through the open gunports, causing her to founder quickly.
Why she is remembered A Tudor warship raised from the Solent in 1982 and displayed with the artefacts recovered from her.
The wreck today Located in 1971 and raised by the Mary Rose Trust on 11 October 1982. Displayed with thousands of artefacts in the Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Sources differ Cause disputed: wind and open gunports, instability after modifications, or (one French claim) French gunfire. Lost during a battle though not clearly by enemy action.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Gerry Bye, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Sweden
Vasa Other causes
10 August 1628 · Stockholm harbour, Sweden (59°19′40″N 18°05′28″E)
The ship Warship with two gundecks, 64 guns, Sweden
Built Laid down 1626, launched March 1627, Stockholm navy yard, built under contract by Henrik Hybertsson and Arendt de Groote
Size About 69 m overall (estimated), 47.5 m between perpendiculars, beam 11.7 m, 1,210 tonnes displacement; 64 guns including 48 twenty-four-pounders
Aboard Complement 145 sailors and 300 soldiers (full complement)
Lives lost About 30 people reportedly perished
On her maiden voyage Vasa heeled suddenly to port when strong gusts caught her sails. Water poured in through the open lower gunports and she sank in Stockholm harbour within sight of the city. The cause was structural instability.
Why she is remembered A warship that capsized minutes into her maiden voyage, raised almost intact after 333 years; the Vasa Museum has received over 45 million visitors between 1961 and early 2025.
The wreck today Located in 1956 by Anders Franzén using a home-made coring probe; raised on 24 April 1961 after 333 years. Displayed in the Vasa Museum, Stockholm (opened 1990).
Sources Wikipedia
Image: JavierKohen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · France
La Belle Storm
1686 · Matagorda Bay, Texas, USA, about 400 m from shore
The ship Barque longue, France
Built 1684, France, built by Honoré Mallet in under two months
Size 54 ft 4 in (16.56 m) long, 14 ft 9 in (4.50 m) beam, 40 to 45 tons
Aboard 27 sailors plus expedition members
Lives lost Of the 27 people originally assigned to her, six survived
One of the ships of La Salle's expedition to found a French colony on the Gulf of Mexico, she was driven aground in Matagorda Bay by a cold front while her inexperienced crew could not stop her drifting.
Why she is remembered A ship of René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle's expedition, owned by King Louis XIV.
The wreck today Found on 5 July 1995 by a Texas Historical Commission team led by Barto Arnold; excavated inside a steel cofferdam July 1996 to May 1997. Hull and artefacts displayed at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, Austin.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · France, then pirate (Blackbeard)
Queen Anne's Revenge Other causes
Also known as La Concorde
10 June 1718 · Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina, USA, about one mile offshore
The ship Frigate (slave ship, then pirate flagship), France, then pirate (Blackbeard)
Built c. 1710, French shipwrights
Size 200 tons burthen; 40 guns alleged, 30 found
Aboard Up to 300 in Blackbeard's service
Captured by Blackbeard near Martinique on 28 November 1717 and made his flagship, she ran aground at Beaufort Inlet in June 1718.
Why she is remembered Blackbeard's flagship.
The wreck today Found by Intersal Inc. on 21 November 1996 in 28 ft (8.5 m) of water. Artefacts in North Carolina collections, with loans to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and the Musée national de la Marine, Paris. Recovery paused after 2015 amid lawsuits between Intersal and North Carolina.
Sources differ Guns: 30 found versus 40 alleged.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Joseph Nicholls, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · United States
Arabia Other causes
5 September 1856 · Quindaro Bend, near Parkville, Missouri River (now Kansas City, Kansas)
The ship Side-wheel steamboat, United States
Built 1853, Brownsville, Pennsylvania (Monongahela River)
Lives lost Only a mule tied below deck died
Arabia struck a submerged sycamore snag and sank in the Missouri River.
Why she is remembered Her recovered cargo of 1850s goods, thousands of artefacts, forms the Arabia Steamboat Museum.
The wreck today Located in 1987 and excavated from 13 November 1988 by Bob Hawley and his sons Greg and David with Jerry Mackey and David Luttrell. Thousands of artefacts shown in the Arabia Steamboat Museum, Kansas City.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this ship has been found yet.
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · United States (Union Navy)
USS Cairo War
12 December 1862 · Yazoo River, Mississippi, USA
The ship City-class ironclad river gunboat, United States (Union Navy)
Built 1861, James Eads and Company, Mound City, Illinois
Size 175 ft (53.3 m), 512 tons; 13 guns (Nov 1862)
Lives lost No casualties
While clearing the Yazoo River of obstructions, Cairo struck a 'torpedo' (naval mine) detonated by volunteers hidden behind the river bank and sank in 12 minutes without loss of life.
Why she is remembered A Union ironclad gunboat raised and displayed with her artefacts at Vicksburg.
The wreck today Found in 1956 by Edwin C. Bearss with Don Jacks and Warren Grabau; raised in 1964. Displayed at Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi, with an artefact museum.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Civil War Glass Negatives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Confederate States
H. L. Hunley War
17 February 1864 · Off Charleston, South Carolina, USA
The ship Hand-powered submarine, Confederate States
Built 1863, built by James McClintock; launched July 1863
Size Length 39.5 ft (12.0 m), beam 3.83 ft (1.17 m)
Aboard Crew of 8
Lives lost All 8 lost on 17 February 1864; 21 crew died in total across three sinkings (5 on 29 August 1863, all 8 including Horace Hunley on 15 October 1863, 8 in 1864)
Hunley rammed her spar torpedo into the Union sloop USS Housatonic, which sank in three minutes with five of her crew killed. Hunley herself never returned. She had already sunk twice in trials.
Why she is remembered The first combat submarine to sink a warship, although she was not completely submerged and was lost with her crew after the attack.
The wreck today Located in April 1995 by a NUMA team led by Ralph Wilbanks (archaeologist E. Lee Spence claimed a 1970 discovery). Raised on 8 August 2000; under conservation at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center, North Charleston.
Sources differ Discovery credit is disputed between NUMA and Wilbanks (1995) and E. Lee Spence, who claims a 1970 discovery.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Conrad Wise Chapman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · United Kingdom
RMS Rhone Storm
29 October 1867 · Off Salt Island near Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
The ship Passenger liner (steamship), United Kingdom
Built Launched 11 February 1865, Millwall Iron Works
Size 310 ft (94 m); 2,738 GRT
Aboard About 145 crew and passengers
Lives lost Only 25 survived
The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company's Rhone was caught by the San Narciso hurricane; Captain Woolley tried to escape to the shelter of the open sea, but she was wrecked off Salt Island, broke in two, and her boilers exploded when cold seawater reached them.
Why she is remembered Cited as one of the top recreational wreck dives in the Caribbean; her wreckage featured in the 1977 film The Deep.
The wreck today Bow in about 24 m, stern in about 9 m, maximum 26 m. The area became the RMS Rhone National Park in 1980.
Sources differ About 145 were aboard and 25 survived; the death toll is not given directly.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Gareth Richards, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Australia
SS Yongala Storm
23 to 24 March 1911 · 12 nautical miles east of Cape Bowling Green, 48 nautical miles south-east of Townsville, Queensland, Australia
The ship Passenger and cargo steamship, Australia
Built Launched 29 April 1903, completed October 1903, Armstrong, Whitworth & Co, Low Walker
Size 350 ft (106.7 m); 3,664 GRT
Aboard About 122 (29 first-class, 19 second-class passengers, 72 crew)
Lives lost All on board
The Adelaide Steamship Company's Yongala steamed into a cyclone off the Queensland coast and disappeared with everyone aboard.
Why she is remembered Lost with all hands in a cyclone; now a major recreational dive attraction for Townsville and North Queensland, with more than 10,000 divers a year.
The wreck today Found in 1958 by fisherman Bill Kirkpatrick. Lies in about 30 m; protected under the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018, access by permit only via the Maritime Archaeology Section of the Museum of Tropical Queensland.
Sources differ Aboard figure given as about 122; passenger and crew numbers listed sum to 120.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Allan C. Green, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
SMS Brummer Scuttled
21 June 1919 · Scapa Flow, Orkney, Scotland
The ship Brummer-class minelaying cruiser, Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
Built Launched 11 December 1915, AG Vulcan, Stettin
Size 140.4 m (460 ft 8 in); 4,385 t normal, 5,856 t full load
In October 1917 Brummer and her sister raided a British convoy to Norway, sinking two escorting destroyers and nine of twelve merchant ships. On 21 June 1919, with the interned German High Seas Fleet held at Scapa Flow after the Armistice, Admiral Ludwig von Reuter ordered the fleet scuttled; 52 of the 74 interned ships sank and 9 Germans were killed.
Why she is remembered A fast cruiser built as a minelayer, remembered for the 1917 convoy raid and now a Scapa Flow dive.
The wreck today Lies in 36 m; a popular recreational dive. Never raised for scrap, unlike most of the scuttled fleet. Designated a scheduled monument in 2001; since 2025 the whole site is a Scottish marine protected area, making it a criminal offence to remove items. Divers may visit as long as nothing is damaged or taken.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
SMS Cöln Scuttled
21 June 1919 (sank 13:50) · Scapa Flow, Orkney, Scotland
The ship Cöln-class light cruiser, Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
Built Launched 5 October 1916, Blohm & Voss, Hamburg
Size 155.5 m (510 ft); 5,620 t normal, 7,486 t full load; 8 x 15 cm guns
On 21 June 1919, with the interned German High Seas Fleet held at Scapa Flow after the Armistice, Admiral Ludwig von Reuter ordered the fleet scuttled; 52 of the 74 interned ships sank and 9 Germans were killed.
Why she is remembered One of the seven German warships still on the bottom of Scapa Flow.
The wreck today Lies in 36 m; scheduled monument from 23 May 2001; a popular recreational dive. Never raised for scrap, unlike most of the scuttled fleet. Designated a scheduled monument in 2001; since 2025 the whole site is a Scottish marine protected area, making it a criminal offence to remove items. Divers may visit as long as nothing is damaged or taken.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Offical Royal Navy Photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
SMS Dresden Scuttled
21 June 1919 · South-east of the island of Cava, Scapa Flow, Orkney, Scotland
The ship Cöln-class light cruiser, Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
Built Launched 25 April 1917, Blohm und Voss, Hamburg
Size 155.5 m (510 ft); 5,620 t normal, 7,486 t full load
On 21 June 1919, with the interned German High Seas Fleet held at Scapa Flow after the Armistice, Admiral Ludwig von Reuter ordered the fleet scuttled; 52 of the 74 interned ships sank and 9 Germans were killed.
Why she is remembered One of the seven German warships still on the bottom of Scapa Flow.
The wreck today Lies in 25 to 45 m; a popular recreational dive. Never raised for scrap, unlike most of the scuttled fleet. Designated a scheduled monument in 2001; since 2025 the whole site is a Scottish marine protected area, making it a criminal offence to remove items. Divers may visit as long as nothing is damaged or taken.
Sources differ Depth given as 25 to 45 m and as 25 to 38 m.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
SMS Karlsruhe Scuttled
21 June 1919 · Scapa Flow, Orkney, Scotland
The ship Königsberg-class light cruiser, Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
Built Launched 31 January 1916, Kaiserliche Werft
Size 151.4 m (496 ft 9 in); 5,440 t normal, 7,125 t full load
On 21 June 1919, with the interned German High Seas Fleet held at Scapa Flow after the Armistice, Admiral Ludwig von Reuter ordered the fleet scuttled; 52 of the 74 interned ships sank and 9 Germans were killed.
Why she is remembered One of the seven German warships still on the bottom of Scapa Flow.
The wreck today Lies in 25 m; a popular recreational dive. Never raised for scrap, unlike most of the scuttled fleet. Designated a scheduled monument in 2001; since 2025 the whole site is a Scottish marine protected area, making it a criminal offence to remove items. Divers may visit as long as nothing is damaged or taken.
Sources differ Builder given as Kaiserliche Werft Wilhelmshaven in the infobox but the text refers to the Kaiserliche Werft in Kiel.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
SMS König Scuttled
21 June 1919 · Gutter Sound, east of Cava, Scapa Flow, Orkney, Scotland
The ship König-class dreadnought battleship, Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
Built Launched 1 March 1913, Kaiserliche Werft Wilhelmshaven (construction no. 33)
Size 175.4 m (575 ft 6 in); 25,796 t normal, 28,600 t full load; ten 30.5 cm guns
König led the German line at Jutland in 1916, took ten heavy shell hits and lost 45 men killed. On 21 June 1919, with the interned German High Seas Fleet held at Scapa Flow after the Armistice, Admiral Ludwig von Reuter ordered the fleet scuttled; 52 of the 74 interned ships sank and 9 Germans were killed.
Why she is remembered The lead ship of her class and of the German line at Jutland; in 2019 the salvage rights to the wreck were sold on eBay for £25,500.
The wreck today Lies in 40 m on a sandy floor with her hull facing upwards at about 20 m; a popular dive. Never raised for scrap, unlike most of the scuttled fleet. Designated a scheduled monument in 2001; since 2025 the whole site is a Scottish marine protected area, making it a criminal offence to remove items. Divers may visit as long as nothing is damaged or taken.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this ship has been found yet.
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm Scuttled
Also known as SMS Kronprinz (renamed 15 June 1918)
21 June 1919 (sank 13:15) · Gutter Sound, Scapa Flow, Orkney, Scotland
The ship König-class dreadnought battleship, Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
Built Launched 21 February 1914, Germaniawerft, Kiel
Size 175.4 m (575 ft 6 in); 25,796 t normal, 28,600 t full load; ten 30.5 cm guns
At Jutland she was the rearmost ship of her division and came through unscathed. On 21 June 1919, with the interned German High Seas Fleet held at Scapa Flow after the Armistice, Admiral Ludwig von Reuter ordered the fleet scuttled; 52 of the 74 interned ships sank and 9 Germans were killed.
Why she is remembered One of three German dreadnoughts still lying in Scapa Flow.
The wreck today Lies between 12 and 38 m; a popular dive. Never raised for scrap, unlike most of the scuttled fleet. Designated a scheduled monument in 2001; since 2025 the whole site is a Scottish marine protected area, making it a criminal offence to remove items. Divers may visit as long as nothing is damaged or taken.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Offical Royal Navy Photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
SMS Markgraf Scuttled
21 June 1919 · Gutter Sound, Scapa Flow, Orkney, Scotland
The ship König-class dreadnought battleship, Germany (Kaiserliche Marine)
Built Launched 4 June 1913, AG Weser, Bremen
Size 175.4 m (575 ft 6 in); 25,796 t normal, 28,600 t full load; ten 30.5 cm guns
Lives lost Her captain, Walter Schumann, and one enlisted man were shot by British guards during the scuttling
At Jutland Markgraf was third in the German line and took five heavy hits, with 11 killed. On 21 June 1919, with the interned German High Seas Fleet held at Scapa Flow after the Armistice, Admiral Ludwig von Reuter ordered the fleet scuttled; 52 of the 74 interned ships sank and 9 Germans were killed.
Why she is remembered One of three German dreadnoughts still lying in Scapa Flow.
The wreck today Never raised for scrap, unlike most of the scuttled fleet. Designated a scheduled monument in 2001; since 2025 the whole site is a Scottish marine protected area, making it a criminal offence to remove items. Divers may visit as long as nothing is damaged or taken.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this ship has been found yet.
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · United Kingdom
SS Great Britain Scuttled
Scuttled 1937 · Sparrow Cove, 3.5 miles from Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
The ship Iron screw steamship, passenger liner, United Kingdom
Built Launched 19 July 1843, Bristol, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, built by William Patterson in a specially adapted dry dock
Size 322 ft (98 m); 3,443 tons burthen, 3,674 tons load draught; twin 88-inch inclined direct-acting steam engines, single screw
In 1886 she arrived at Port Stanley after a fire and was found damaged beyond economic repair. She was sold to the Falkland Islands Company and used as a coal storage hulk, then scuttled in Sparrow Cove in 1937.
Why she is remembered Brunel's ship was the first to combine an iron hull and a screw propeller in a large ocean-going ship, the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic (1845, in 14 days) and by far the largest vessel ever built when launched.
The wreck today Salvaged in 1970 in an operation funded by Jack Hayward and towed up the River Avon to Bristol on 5 July 1970. Now a museum ship in Bristol Harbour (131,056 visitors in 2025).
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Mattbuck, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Germany
SS Antilla Scuttled
10 May 1940 · Malmok Bay, Aruba
The ship Cargo ship, Germany
Built Launched 21 March 1939, completed 11 July 1939, Deutsche Werft, Hamburg (yard no. 222)
Size 398.3 ft (121.4 m); 4,363 GRT
When Germany invaded the Netherlands, the Hamburg America Line ship's German crew scuttled her to prevent capture by Dutch authorities: one man opened the seacocks and climbed out through the funnel, others set fires.
Why she is remembered A Hamburg America Line ship scuttled by her own crew to avoid capture, now a popular Aruba dive site.
The wreck today Lies in up to 60 ft (18 m); a popular dive site, though some divers now consider it unsafe to enter.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Unbekannt, Foto aus dem Jahr 1939, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Italy
Umbria Scuttled
Also known as Bahia Blanca
10 June 1940 · Off Wingate Reef, Port Sudan, Sudan, Red Sea
The ship Passenger and cargo steamship, Italy
Built Launched 30 December 1911 in Hamburg for the Hamburg America Line; renamed Umbria by the Italian government in 1935
Size 153 m (about 450 ft) long; capacity about 9,000 tons of cargo
Lives lost No casualties reported
Sailing from Naples for Italy's East African colonies with about 360,000 bombs, large calibre shells, 60 boxes of detonators, cement, building materials and Fiat cars, she was detained by the British at Port Sudan. When Captain Lorenzo Muiesan heard by radio that Italy had entered the war, he scuttled her on 10 June 1940 so that her munitions could not be seized.
Why she is remembered Often called one of the world's finest wreck dives, she still holds her cargo of bombs. The diving pioneer Hans Hass explored her nine years after she sank.
The wreck today Lies on her port side near Wingate Reef, about 10 minutes by boat from Port Sudan, between about 5 and 33 to 37 m; very well preserved, with rows of aircraft bombs in the aft holds, Fiat cars, engine room, propellers and rudder. A popular dive site; the munitions remain on board.
Sources differ Cargo of munitions given as 8,600 tons (ssthistlegorm.com) or 6,000 tonnes (guillenphoto.com). Depth ranges stated as 30 to 37 m or 5 to 33 m.
Sources ssthistlegorm.com · guillenphoto.com · blueforcefleet.com · Wikipedia
Image: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · United States
SS President Coolidge War
26 October 1942 · Off Luganville, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides (now Vanuatu)
The ship Ocean liner, then troopship, United States
Built Launched 21 February 1931, Newport News Shipbuilding (yard no. 340)
Size 653 ft (199 m) overall, beam 81 ft (24.7 m); 21,936 GRT
Aboard About 5,000 troops; 5,340 men got safely ashore
Lives lost Two: fireman Robert Reid and Captain Elwood Joseph Euart
Safe-entry information had been accidentally omitted from her sailing orders, and Captain Henry Nelson, unaware of the minefields, took the most obvious channel into Santo harbour. She struck a mine near the engine room and a second near the stern. Almost everyone got ashore; Captain Elwood Euart of the 103rd Field Artillery Regiment went back in through a sea door to rescue trapped men, could not escape himself, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Why she is remembered A former Dollar Line liner with two saltwater pools, now a wreck that recreational divers can explore in large part without specialised equipment, famed for 'The Lady', a porcelain relief of a lady riding a unicorn.
The wreck today Rests on her port side with the bow at 21 m and the stern at 73 m; dived from the shore. No salvage or removal of any artefact has been allowed since 1983.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Japan
Aikoku Maru War
16 February 1944 (17 February in other accounts of Operation Hailstone) · Truk (Chuuk) Lagoon (07°22′N 151°56′E)
The ship Armed merchant cruiser (converted passenger freighter), Japan
Built Laid down 29 December 1938, launched 25 April 1940, Mitsui Tamano shipyard, Okayama Prefecture
Size 160.8 m (527 ft 7 in); 10,438 GRT
Aboard 945 crew and passengers
Lives lost Most of the 945 aboard
Bombed by aircraft from USS Intrepid and set on fire, then hit by a torpedo which detonated the ammunition in her No. 1 hold and sheared off her bow.
Why she is remembered Dived by Jacques-Yves Cousteau in 1969; around 400 sets of remains were recovered in 1980 and a memorial was placed on the wreck on 17 February 1994.
The wreck today Upright, bridge at about 40 m, bottom at about 64 m; a popular dive and a war grave.
Sources differ Date sunk given as 16 February 1944 in the ship article; Operation Hailstone dates are 17 to 18 February 1944 (likely date line or time zone difference).
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Imperial Japanese Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Japan
Fujikawa Maru War
17 February 1944 · Truk (Chuuk) Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia
The ship Cargo ship, requisitioned as auxiliary armed aircraft transport, Japan
Built Completed 1938, Mitsubishi Zosensho, Nagasaki; owner Toyo Kaiun K.K., Tokyo
Size 437.4 ft (133.3 m); 6,938 long tons
Hit repeatedly by US bombers and torpedo bombers during Operation Hailstone. Sunk in Operation Hailstone, the US carrier air raids on the Japanese base at Truk on 17 and 18 February 1944, which sank 32 merchant ships and several warships and killed over 4,500 Japanese.
Why she is remembered Her forward hold holds at least nine disassembled fighters, eight A6M Zeros and an A5M; The Times named her one of the top ten wreck dives in the world.
The wreck today A leading wreck dive in Chuuk Lagoon; divers know her workshop compressor nicknamed 'R2D2'.
Sources Wikipedia · scubadivingearth.com
Image: Motoki Kurabayashi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Japan
Heian Maru War
1944 (Operation Hailstone) · Truk (Chuuk) Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia
The ship Ocean liner, converted to submarine tender, Japan
Built Launched 1930
Size 155 m (510 ft); 11,614 tons
Sunk in Operation Hailstone, the US carrier air raids on the Japanese base at Truk on 17 and 18 February 1944, which sank 32 merchant ships and several warships and killed over 4,500 Japanese.
Why she is remembered A converted liner whose wreck still holds shells, torpedoes, submarine periscopes, china plates and sake bottles.
The wreck today Lies between 11 and 33 m.
Sources Wikipedia · scubadivingearth.com
Image: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Japan
Hoyo Maru War
17 February 1944 · Truk (Chuuk) Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia
The ship Tanker, Japan
Built 1936
Size 145 m (475 ft); 8,691 tons
Sunk in Operation Hailstone, the US carrier air raids on the Japanese base at Truk on 17 and 18 February 1944, which sank 32 merchant ships and several warships and killed over 4,500 Japanese.
Why she is remembered Capsized with a broken back, her upturned hull now covered in hard corals.
The wreck today Upside down between 3 and 30 m; engine room accessible.
Sources scubadivingearth.com · Wikipedia
No free image of this ship has been found yet.
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Japan
Nippo Maru War
17 to 18 February 1944 · Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon, Micronesia, Pacific Ocean
The ship Cargo ship converted to auxiliary water tanker and transport, Japan
Built Kawasaki Dockyard, Kobe; launched 16 September 1936, for Okazaki Honten Steamship Co.
Size 107 m (354 ft) long; 3,764 gross tons
Lives lost None reported during the sinking (Master Liveaboards)
Used by the Imperial Japanese Navy to carry fresh water, troops and munitions, she was at Truk during Operation Hailstone, the United States carrier raid of February 1944. TBF Avengers from USS Essex hit her cargo hold and engine room with 500 lb bombs, and she sank.
Why she is remembered One of the classic Truk Lagoon wreck dives, famous for the Type 97 tank, howitzers and field guns still on and around her deck.
The wreck today Rests upright with a heavy list to port; shallowest point about 21 m, deck about 31 to 34 m, seabed about 47 m. Cargo includes a tank, three howitzers on rubber wheeled carriages, mines, shells, gas masks, rangefinders and beer bottles.
Sources differ Depth to seabed 47 m (Master Liveaboards, Shearwater) versus 42 m (TracesOfWar).
Sources masterliveaboards.com · tracesofwar.com · petemesley.com · shearwater.com
Image: Aquaimages, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Japan
Rio de Janeiro Maru War
17 to 18 February 1944 · Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon, Micronesia, Pacific Ocean
The ship Passenger and cargo liner, later submarine tender, Japan
Built 1929 (Pete Mesley says 1930), Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, Nagasaki, for Osaka Shosen Kaisha (OSK)
Size 140 to 141 m long; 9,626 gross tons; capacity 1,140 passengers
Lives lost Captain Kanemasu and two crewmen
Built for OSK's service carrying Japanese emigrants to Brazil, she was requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1940 and armed as a transport and submarine tender with four 5.9 inch guns. During Operation Hailstone she was hit by several 1,000 lb bombs, probably from USS Yorktown or USS Bunker Hill aircraft, and sank.
Why she is remembered A former emigrant liner to South America, now a favourite Truk dive for her great propellers, stern gun and holds full of beer bottles.
The wreck today Lies on her starboard side from about 9 m to 30 to 35 m; engine room, propellers, rudder, guns and crates of bottles can be seen. A popular dive site.
Sources differ Built 1929 (Master Liveaboards) versus 1930 (Pete Mesley).
Sources masterliveaboards.com · petemesley.com · shearwater.com · scubadivingearth.com · Wikipedia
Image: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Japan
San Francisco Maru War
18 February 1944 · Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon, Micronesia, Pacific Ocean
The ship Passenger and cargo ship, later naval transport, Japan
Built Kawasaki Dockyard Co., Kobe; keel laid 5 January 1919, in service March 1919
Size 117 m (385 ft) long; 5,864 gross tons (Pete Mesley gives 5,831 tons)
Lives lost Five crew
Serving the Imperial Japanese Navy as a general transport with a civilian crew, she was loaded with war materials when US carrier aircraft attacked Truk in Operation Hailstone. Avengers from USS Essex hit her with 500 lb bombs amidships; she burned and sank stern first.
Why she is remembered Known as the 'Million Dollar Wreck' for the tanks, trucks, mines, shells and torpedoes still in her holds, she is one of the most celebrated deep wreck dives in the world.
The wreck today Upright and largely intact with masts standing, from about 34 m to the seabed at about 62 to 64 m (deck about 50 m). Type 95 Ha-Go light tanks on deck (two of them stacked), a steam roller, trucks, mines, depth charges and Type 93 torpedoes in the holds. A technical dive.
Sources differ Tonnage 5,864 GT (Master Liveaboards) versus 5,831 tons (Pete Mesley).
Sources masterliveaboards.com · petemesley.com · shearwater.com · scubadivingearth.com · Wikipedia
No free image of this ship has been found yet.
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Japan
Shinkoku Maru War
18 February 1944 · Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon, Micronesia, Pacific Ocean
The ship Naval tanker (fleet oiler), Japan
Built 1940, for Kobe Sanbashi K.K.
Size 152 m (500 ft); 10,020 tons
Requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1941, she supplied the carrier strike force at Pearl Harbor and later operations against Rabaul, Ambon and Darwin. She survived torpedo damage in 1942 and 1943 and reached Truk on 14 February 1944. During Operation Hailstone a dive bomber from USS Yorktown hit her amidships on 17 February, and Avenger torpedo bombers struck her the next morning; she sank that afternoon.
Why she is remembered A veteran of the Pearl Harbor attack force, she is now one of the most beautiful wrecks in Truk Lagoon, blanketed in soft corals and anemones.
The wreck today Upright with superstructure at about 12 m, deck about 20 m, seabed 38 to 40 m; bridge with telegraphs, medical table and an accessible engine room. A popular dive site.
Sources petemesley.com · shearwater.com · dive3d.eu · Wikipedia
No free image of this ship has been found yet.
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · United States
USS Saratoga (CV-3) Explosion
25 July 1946 · Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands (11°34′53″N 165°29′55″E)
The ship Lexington-class aircraft carrier, United States
Built Launched 7 April 1925, New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey
Size 888 ft (270.7 m); 36,000 long tons standard
After Second World War service, for which she received eight battle stars, she was used as a target ship in the Operation Crossroads nuclear tests and sank after the underwater 'Baker' explosion.
Why she is remembered A Second World War carrier sunk by an atomic bomb test, one of only three carrier wrecks accessible to recreational divers.
The wreck today Upright, with the top of the wreck about 50 ft (15 m) below the surface; a scuba destination, with dive trips resumed in 2011.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites
Superior Producer Other causes
Also known as Andromeda (until 1962)
September 1977 · Off Otrobanda, just outside Willemstad harbour, Curaçao, Caribbean Sea, about 137 m (450 ft) from shore
The ship Small cargo freighter
Built 1957, Netherlands
Size About 50 m (164 to 165 ft) long
Lives lost None reported; the crew escaped
Bound for Isla Margarita, Venezuela, with a cargo of clothing and alcohol for the Christmas season, she was overloaded. Leaving Willemstad in rough seas, her cargo shifted and she sank just outside the harbour.
Why she is remembered Regarded as one of the best wreck dives in the Caribbean and Curaçao's best known wreck.
The wreck today Sits almost perfectly upright on sand at about 30 m (deck from about 21 m), covered in corals, sponges and orange cup corals, with an open cargo hold. Reached from shore or by boat; a popular dive site.
Sources rushkult.com · central-dive-curacao.com · scubacao.com · deepblu.com
No free image of this ship has been found yet.
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Panama (owner Ianissos Shipping Company from 1975)
Kimon M Reef and rocks
Also known as Brunsbuttel Byelourus II (1952), Ciudad Ce Cucuta (1953 to 1964), as spelt by the Red Sea Wreck Project, Angela (1964 to 1971), Kimon (1971 to 1975)
12 December 1978 · North-east corner of Sha'ab Abu Nuhas, Red Sea, Egypt; 27°34'48“N 33°56'00”E
The ship Cargo ship, Panama (owner Ianissos Shipping Company from 1975)
Built H. C. Stülcken und Sohn, Steinwerder, Hamburg, Germany, yard no. 770; launched 11 February 1952, completed October 1952
Size 106.4 m long, 14.8 m beam; 3,694 GRT; 13 knots
Lives lost None reported; the crew were rescued by MV Interasja
On passage from Iskenderun, Turkey, to Bombay with about 4,500 tons of bagged lentils, she struck Abu Nuhas reef while steaming south at full speed. She first sat upright on the reef and was later pushed into deeper water. Salvors removed her engines and part of the cargo.
Why she is remembered The 'lentil wreck', deepest of the four classic Abu Nuhas wrecks.
The wreck today Lies on her starboard side from about 15 m at the bow to 32 m at the stern; bow reduced to scrap, aft superstructure largely intact with swim-throughs. A popular dive site.
Sources differ Length 106.4 m (Red Sea Wreck Project) versus 120 m (dive-the-world). Flag Panamanian (Red Sea Wreck Project) versus German (dive-the-world, which may refer to her build).
Sources redseawreckproject.com · dive-the-world.com · xplorer-redsea.com
No free image of this ship has been found yet.
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Sweden
MS Zenobia Other causes
7 June 1980 · Larnaca Bay, Cyprus (34°53.5′N 33°39.1′E), about 1,500 m from shore
The ship Challenger-class roll-on/roll-off ferry, Sweden
Built Launched 11 August 1979, Kockums Varv AB, Sweden
Size 172.2 m; 10,000 GRT
Lives lost No casualties
On her maiden voyage from Malmö to Tartous, Syria, she developed a list at anchor off Larnaca after a software error in her computerised ballast pumping system made the list progressively worse, and she capsized at about 02:30 with 104 lorries aboard.
Why she is remembered Consistently ranked among the top ten recreational dive sites in the world, with her cargo of lorries still on the decks.
The wreck today Rests on her port side in approximately 42 m.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Greek (dive sources); last owner Clarion Marine Company, Piraeus
Chrisoula K Reef and rocks
Also known as Dora Oldendorff (1953 to 1970), Anna B (1970 to 1979)
31 August 1981 · North-east corner of Sha'ab Abu Nuhas, Strait of Gubal, Red Sea, Egypt; 27°34'50“N 33°55'30”E
The ship Cargo ship, Greek (dive sources); last owner Clarion Marine Company, Piraeus
Built Orenstein, Koppel and Luebecker, Lübeck, Germany; launched 16 December 1953, completed early 1954
Size 98 m long, 14.8 m beam; 3,720 to 3,807 GRT; 2,700 bhp 9 cylinder MAN diesel, 13.5 knots
Aboard 21 crew
Lives lost None recorded; the crew were rescued by the Egyptian Navy
Bound from Italy to Jeddah through the Suez Canal with a cargo of Italian floor tiles, she struck the north-east corner of Abu Nuhas reef at full speed and was lost.
Why she is remembered Known to divers as the 'tile wreck', she is one of the four famous wrecks of Abu Nuhas, the 'ship trap' reef near Hurghada.
The wreck today Sits more or less upright with the bow broken up at about 3 m and the stern at 26 to 28 m, the stern slowly separating; stacks of tiles, the engine room, propeller and rudder can be seen. A popular dive site.
Sources redseawreckproject.com · dive-the-world.com · blueshadesdiving.com · xplorer-redsea.com
No free image of this ship has been found yet.
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Greece (Dumarc Shipping and Trading Corporation, Piraeus, from 1980)
Giannis D Reef and rocks
Also known as Shoyo Maru (1969 to 1975), Markus (1975 to 1980)
19 April 1983 · Sha'ab Abu Nuhas, Red Sea, Egypt; 27°34'42“N 33°55'24”E
The ship General cargo ship, Greece (Dumarc Shipping and Trading Corporation, Piraeus, from 1980)
Built September 1969, Kurushima Dock Company, Imabari, Japan
Size 99.5 m long, 16 m beam, 6.53 m draught; 2,992 GRT; 3,000 bhp 6 cylinder diesel, 12 knots
Lives lost None reported; the crew abandoned ship safely
Sailing from Rijeka, Yugoslavia, to Jeddah and Hodeidah with a cargo of timber, she drifted west of her course and ran onto Abu Nuhas reef at full speed. She later broke apart in a storm.
Why she is remembered One of the most photographed wreck dives in the Red Sea, famous for her tilted, intact stern and bridge.
The wreck today Lies in three sections along the reef in 10 to 28 m; bow and stern intact, amidships collapsed, engine room at about 13 m and stern at 24 m.
Sources differ Cargo described as softwood or teak.
Sources redseawreckproject.com · dive-the-world.com · blueshadesdiving.com · dive-red.com
Image: W.Strickling, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites
Hilma Hooker Other causes
Also known as Midsland (1951 to 1964), Mistral (1964 to 1967), William Express (1967 to 1975), Anna C. (1975 to 1976), Doric Express (1976 to 1979)
12 September 1984 · Off Bonaire, Caribbean
The ship Cargo ship
Built Launched 21 May 1951, Van der Giessen de Noord, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Netherlands
Size 71.78 m (235 ft 6 in); 691 GRT, 1,025 DWT
Detained at Bonaire, she was found to hold 25,000 lb (11,000 kg) of marijuana behind a false bulkhead. While under detention she deteriorated, took on water through her lower portholes and sank.
Why she is remembered Regarded as one of the leading wreck dives in the Caribbean, with a smuggling story attached.
The wreck today Lies in about 100 ft (30 m), a prime attraction for scuba divers.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Purpleshepp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Soviet Union, then Cuba
MV Captain Keith Tibbetts Scuttled
Also known as Soviet-built frigate 356 (ex SKR-471, Cuban Navy)
Scuttled 1996 · Off Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands
The ship Koni-class (Project 1159) anti-submarine frigate, Soviet Union, then Cuba
Built Koni class built at Zelenodolsk shipyard 1975 to 1988
Size About 330 ft (100 m) per the tourism board; Koni class 1,140 tons standard
The former Cuban Navy frigate was sunk as an artificial reef off Cayman Brac. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 badly damaged her midsection and a 2017 storm tore away the main part of the stern.
Why she is remembered A Cold War Soviet-built warship turned Caribbean dive site, still showing her guns and the red star on her bow.
The wreck today Top at about 20 ft, bottom about 80 ft; suitable for all levels.
Sources differ Described as a 'Russian destroyer' by Cayman tourism and as a frigate by Wikipedia.
Sources explorecayman.com · Wikipedia
No free image of this ship has been found yet.
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · United States
USS Spiegel Grove (LSD-32) Scuttled
Sank 17 May 2002 · 6 miles off Key Largo, Florida Keys, USA
The ship Thomaston-class dock landing ship, United States
Built Launched 10 November 1955, Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi
Size 510 ft (160 m); 8,899 long tons light
During preparations to scuttle her as an artificial reef she settled too soon, rolled to starboard and ended up upside down on the bottom. In July 2005 Hurricane Dennis pushed her upright onto her keel.
Why she is remembered At the time believed to be the largest ship ever deliberately sunk as a dive site.
The wreck today Top deck about 60 ft (18 m), hull to 135 ft (41 m); opened to recreational divers on 26 June 2002.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · United Kingdom
HMS Scylla (F71) Scuttled
Scuttled 27 March 2004 · Whitsand Bay, Cornwall, England
The ship Leander-class frigate, United Kingdom
Built Launched 8 August 1968, Devonport Royal Dockyard
Size 113.4 m (372 ft); 3,200 long tons full load
Decommissioned in December 1993, the frigate was deliberately sunk as an artificial reef.
Why she is remembered The first artificial reef of its kind in Europe.
The wreck today Rests on a 24 m sandy seabed in Whitsand Bay.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: PHC C. Pedrick, US Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · Australia
HMAS Brisbane (D 41) Scuttled
Scuttled 31 July 2005 · About 2.8 nautical miles off Mudjimba, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
The ship Perth-class guided missile destroyer (Charles F. Adams class), Australia
Built Launched 5 May 1966, Defoe Shipbuilding Company, Bay City, Michigan
Size 437 ft (133 m); 3,370 tons standard, 4,551 tons full load
After service in Vietnam (1969 and 1971) and the 1991 Gulf War, the destroyer was paid off on 19 October 2001 and deliberately sunk as a dive wreck.
Why she is remembered A Vietnam and Gulf War veteran deliberately sunk as a dive wreck off the Sunshine Coast.
The wreck today Lies in 27 m within a dive exclusion zone patrolled against unauthorised access and fishing.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Nick Dowling, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · United States
USS Oriskany (CV-34) Scuttled
Sunk as artificial reef 17 May 2006 · Gulf of Mexico, 24 miles (39 km) south of Pensacola, Florida, USA
The ship Essex-class aircraft carrier, United States
Built Launched 13 October 1945, New York Naval Shipyard
Size 888 ft (271 m); 30,800 long tons
Lives lost 44 men died in the 1966 fire on board (not in the sinking)
After service in Korea (two battle stars) and Vietnam (ten), including a 1966 magnesium flare fire that killed 44, she was decommissioned on 30 September 1976 and later sunk as an artificial reef.
Why she is remembered The largest vessel ever sunk as an artificial reef, a record set to be broken by the liner SS United States.
The wreck today Flight deck initially at 135 ft (41 m), 145 ft (44 m) after Hurricane Gustav in 2008.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · United States
USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Scuttled
Also known as General Harry Taylor (1943 to 1963)
Scuttled 27 May 2009 · 6 miles off Key West, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, USA
The ship General G. O. Squier-class transport, later missile range instrumentation ship, United States
Built Launched 10 October 1943, Kaiser Co., Richmond, California
Size 522 ft 10 in (159.36 m)
A Second World War troopship that later tracked re-entry vehicles in ballistic missile tests, she was sunk as an artificial reef in the Florida Keys.
Why she is remembered Scenes of the 1998 film Virus were shot aboard her.
The wreck today An artificial reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Raised Wrecks and Dive Sites · United States
USS Kittiwake (ASR-13) Scuttled
Scuttled 5 January 2011 · Off Seven Mile Beach, West Bay, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
The ship Chanticleer-class submarine rescue ship, United States
Built Savannah Machine & Foundry Co., Savannah, Georgia; launched 10 July 1945
Size 251 ft 4 in (76.61 m); 1,780 tons
Commissioned in 1946 and decommissioned on 30 September 1994, she was sunk as an artificial reef. In October 2017 Tropical Storm Nate rolled her onto her port side and moved her towards a natural reef.
Why she is remembered One of the most popular dive and snorkel sites in Grand Cayman.
The wreck today Originally 15 ft (4.6 m) at the shallowest and 64 ft (20 m) at the deepest; since 2017 about 20 ft deeper at the shallowest point. Touching or taking anything is prohibited.
Sources differ Launch date given as 10 July 1945; 13 May 1945 is also given.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons