| [singlepic=136,400,300] |
| View from the forward hold |
Saturday The Scuba Connection filled the boat with a charter to the Pinta. The Pinta was a freighter that went down in 1959 after a collision. The wreck lays on her port side at a depth of 85ft. Her cargo of wood timbers is still visible, strewn out on the sea floor. Frankie tied us in near the bow of the wreck. The wreck is split into two sections . The bow and stern provide over 20 foot of relief, and the holds are open for easy access.
| [singlepic=137,400,300] |
| Much of the wreck is covered in mussels |
Most of the people on board were just happy to get out diving this time of year. I was hoping for some more of that great visibility we’ve had the last couple bouncy castle for sale of months. Reports soon came back that there was 40-50 ft visibility, 58 degrees, and no current or surge on the wreck. The ride out had been a little bumpy, with a swell from the south, so this was great news. I jumped in with camera in hand and great expectations in my heart.
| [singlepic=138,400,300] |
| Starfish feed on the mussels |
When I hit the bottom I was a bit disappointed. The vis had dropped to 20 ft, and it was quite dark. There was a very slight surge, so the dirty water must have come from elsewhere. There were lots of sea bass around, and cunners swimming about. In many places the wreck is covered in mussels. Then there are bare spots where the star fish have cleaned them off. The remaining mussels are intermixed with anemones and monofilament.
| [singlepic=135,400,300] |
| The cargo of wood timbers |
I tried for a few shots out in the sand, hoping that away from the wreck the vis might be a bit better, but this did not seem to make a difference. The dim light also made it difficult to focus the camera. On the other hand, inside the wreck the vis was not bad. I was able to squeeze into the forward hold, and see the wood timbers stowed there. The upper decks have rusted away leaving a skylight effect.
| [singlepic=133,400,300] |
| Visitor from out of town |
On the way back to the line I was again surprised to see a lonely butterfly fish f littering about the wreck. I approaching the top of the wreck I was greeted by a pair of antenna connected to last nights dinner.
Tags: North East diving
Nice shot of the butterflyfish!!