Atlas Tanker x2 7/13

[coop1]

With a good seaworthy group on board, we headed across Cape Lookout Shoals toward the Atlas Tanker. Quarter following seas made for an OK ride out. The best part was when I hit the water. I could see the entire "high section" from 15'. The sand tigers were stacked up on top of one another so thick in places they'd obscure the wreck. Small, med, and large, they were all on the wreck. Swam to the bow and the old anchor seeing many huge flounder, grouper, and other species. Only saw 1 lionfish on the 1st dive though. While completing a small deco obligation, I watched numerous African pompano swim by as well as the ever present cudas near the hang line.

After a extended suf interval b/c of a large squall passing through, we hit the water again, this time heading to the stern and on a more micro trip. 3 slipper lobster (all had eggs), more flounder and MORE SHARKS. You literally had to thread your way through them. Not usually typical for these guys. Saw some type of blue blenie that I've not seen before, the standard nudibranches as well as some other micro life that I can't name (gotta remember to take that slate next time).

All in all a great trip with 70'viz to 95' and 50'viz on the low sections. Temps were 73 on bottom and 76 at 60'. Ride in was rough and rainy but by the time we made it back to the inlet, the water was flat and the squall had brought some cooler refreshing temps with it. Too bad they were gone this morning.

Happy decents and safe ascents-

 

[suthnbelle]

Coop, thanks for the report! Cool how you saw so many sharks. Too bad about the rough seas, at least no one lost their cookes.

This is another wreck that was sunk by a U boat, correct? How would you rate this wreck compared to some of the other wrecks - as far as skill level, condition of the wreck, etc...

Thanks
Mel

 

[coop1]

suthnbelle, you are correct in that the Atlas was sunk by one of the U boats. Just like the Papoose, except right side up, it is a tanker located a few miles east of Cape Lookout shoals. She sits in roughly 115' of water, relatively upright, but with broken into thirds. At the stern, you've got relief to about 100' but that's basically a skeleton. Swimming fwd, you'll come to the first break, which is flat on the bottom with the plates having fallen inward. The next piece, or " high piece" rises to about 90' and resembles a square stage. This is the most intact piece on the wreck. Fwd from there, you drop back to the sand and the second break. The bow is little more than a mess of anchor, chain and a tall piece of the hull sticking out of the rubble. Viz can typically vary from 30-50' with the occassional day better or worse. Not usually much current. Always tons of sand tigers, with the occassional "real" shark showing up a few times a year. They're not a problem though. Don't expect to navigate the entire wreck in one dive as you'd miss too much. When the viz is 30 or better, you'll have no problem finding your way around. When it gets worse, you can lose your way in the low spots or rubble. For anyone wanting to see lots of sand tigers, this is the wreck. One of my favorite East side wrecks next only to the Tamapalius. Hope this answers some questions for you.

coop