I’m just in for the day, so I’m putting up a quick post. The first two weeks of July, the Independence II is down in Cape May to hit some wrecks off south Jersey. With a questionable off shore forecast, we stayed a little closer to shore.
Our first dive was the Indian Arrow. The winds were flat calm when we left the inlet. Unfortunately this also meant fog. Going was a bit slow at first, but we arrived at the site in 2 ft seas. Captain Dan quickly found wreck, and we were set to go in. Surface vis was a little cloudy, but the bottom vis was easily 50+ ft. This wreck is enormous! At first, I thought I was on the bottom, but it turned out to be the top of the wreck, she is turtled in 190 fsw. As my first time here, I started a little tour. First toward the bow till I hit the break. There were a few places here where penetration was possible.Inflatable Water Slide We then circled back to the stern. The huge single prop is an awesome sight. Time is short at this depth, especially with a bottom temp of 44. The decompression was cold until the thermocline at 50 ft. We thawed out by the time we hit the surface. Other divers went inside the wreck picking up lobsters along the way (one was 8lbs). Again this is a huge wreck, a 468′ tanker torpedoed in 1942. There is lots to see.
Our second day out we headed to the Moonstone. She lies in 130 ft of water a little further south. The run out was quick, as the seas were near flat, and there was no fog. Visibility here was a clear 40+ ft with a bottom temp of 50. A much more comfortable dive. We were tied into the stern making navigation a snap. The wooden decking is still in place in some areas. Here in the warmer water, fish were darting about everywhere. Large seabass, and one of the largest Tog I’ve ever seen. He darted by me a few times. I’m guessing he was over 3′. Swimming about this wreck, you can clearly make out many features, deck gun, depth charge wrecks, e.t.c. Peering into one hole, my gaze was met by a large set of claws. After a few moments of indecision/fear, I coaxed the 8lb critter into my bag.
We headed back with a cooler full of lobster and scallops. Two great days of diving!
Tags: dive, SCUBA, scuba nj, scuba training, wreck diving