There’s nothing quite like the thrill of diving a wreck for the first time. Descending, you gaze downward, trying to catch a glimpse of it.

At first, nothing. Then a hazy outline appears, and for a moment you’re confused as your eyes try to sort it out.

Then the wreck dissolves into clear view as you arrive on it.

What you find next depends on the wreck and where you are.

In cold, fresh water like the North American Lakes, you may find sunken ships nearly intact after more than 100 years underwater.

 

In the tropical waters of Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon, Micronesia, you would find the remains of the Japanese Imperial Fleet,

thickly encrusted with coral since they sank in World War 2.

 

In the Mediterranean, what might appear to be nothing more than a mound of old jars to the inexperienced eye

may be a ship that sank when the Roman Empire dominated the West.

It’s no wonder wreck diving is popular. While most dive sites are natural habitats, a wreck is a work of mankind.

Because of this, wrecks offer diversity, attractions and opportunities not found in “natural” dive environments –

but nature encroaches as the underwater world changes it into an artificial reef teeming with life.

 

As a result, diving wrecks is an adventure in exploring humanity’s loss and nature’s gain.

 

 

 Considerations for Deeper Wrecks.

 

 

 Assessing And Navigating An Underwater Wreck.

 

 Knowledge Review.