Tuesday, the weather finally cooperated, and the Independence II kicked off the off-shore dive season. Dan had a few other dives scheduled in July, but the conditions were not right. Yesterday there was a light breeze, and nearly flat seas. We left early, and Dan and Bill took turns at the helm.
Franky and I jumped into clear blue water to set the hook. The line was visible for 50-60 feet below us. Below 80 ft the vis dropped, and the sunlight quickly died out. Only our dive lights could be seen at this point. Once on the bottom, we tied in scivolo gonfiabile quickly and started to look around. The bottom temperature was 46 degrees with 40-50 ft of vis. It was tough to tell since it was so dark. I was surprised by the lack of fish and lobster. Normally cunners are everywhere, but not here. On many deep wrecks, the lobsters are out during the day. Perhaps it’s the lack of light at depth, but they seem to be more active, and often more abundant. Not today.
Time goes quick at this depth, and it was soon time for the long cold ascent. The thermocline at 80ft was quite welcome. There was another one at 40 ft that brought the temp up to 75 degrees (almost hot). Visibility here was over 60 ft, and I could clearly read “Independence II” on the back of the boat.
With Franky and I were aboard, Dan and Bill geared up and jumped in. While we waited for the other divers, we could see disturbances on the water surface, some 200 ft from the boat. This occurred several times, then for a brief moment, we could clearly see tuna jumping 4-5 ft out of the water. While looking for divers on the line, we could see Mahi-mahi swimming under to boat. Unfortunately the divers did not notice them.
With Capt Dan and Bill aboard, we soon got underway for the trip home. Just then, a whale breached some 200 yards off the bow. It’s body nearly cleared the water. On the trip home, the radar lit up as we passed a group of 20-30. Checking the charts, this was apparently a popular tuna fishing location. Well we certainly saw a good number of them. I’m sure the fleet did also.
Tags: dive, New Jersey, Technical Dives, wreck diving