Boston Diver Services Trip Report

[Boston Diver Services]

Today we went out in search of the YMS 14, a USN minesweep sunk by collision in Boston Harbor 11 January, 1945. Because of morning fog, which reduced visibility to 1/4 mi, we postponed departure until noon. At 1300 we found 2 to 3 mi. visibility.

We had some numbers at which to look for the wreckage. After "mowing the lawn" for about 25 min. we had a very promising sonar hit in the search area, the anchor was set and we went for a look.

On our decent the viz. did not look promising, maybe 3 feet. However only 10 feet from the anchor we found a the hull. A quick survey of the wreck showed, to our dissapointment, we found yet another Boston Harbor barge.

During our surface interval we began our sonar search again, but the fog returned and cut the search short. We plan to renew our efforts on Wednesday. Two spots are open for the trip if anyone wants to help in the search. Advanced divers only.

Contact: BostonDivers@aol.com

 

[LobstaMan]

Pat:

What kind of depth are we talking about for the search area? Estimated time of departure on Wednesday? What do you think remains of the wreck? Thanks.

LobstaMan

 

[MASS-Diver]

Good luck. I've always heard she was in about 50-60' of water. Isn't she the wreck marked right near the channel marker on the way out of the Southern Channel?

This is a tough time to be searching for wrecks in Boston Harbor, with the low vis and all - but I'm sure guys will be sucessful if you stick with it. I'd also think that Dave Carter of wreckhunter.net could dig up some numbers for you if you don't find it next time out. Becareful of that shipping lane.

 

[Boston Diver Services]

The depths in the search area were from 40' to 70'. I have no idea what remains of the wreck but nothing can be removed from the site as the U.S. of A. never loses it's title to a wreck regardless of the passage of time. just going for a look. On Wednesday the boat will depart at 0930. There is a better than good chance we will be diving a rock pile or more barges. But you never know.

 

[LobstaMan]

Second trip of the year w/ Capt. Pat and DM Paul on BDS boat. Another excellent day to be in the harbor. Bright, sunny, almost cloudless day w/ air temps in low 60s. Water was just below that at 57-58 F for both dives. First dive was exploratory. After a few passes we hit the water near a spot marked on a nautical chart of the harbor as a wreck. Found a very flat bottom at 50 fsw w/ little rocks, some sand and no wreck. Poor viz at maybe 8 feet.

Second dive Capt. Pat decided not to search further and we instead went to the City of Salisbury...the Zoo Ship. The story goes that this ship, full of exotic mammals, birds and reptiles, struck an uncharted pinnacle near Graves Light and the resulting debris went down both sides of the pinnacle. Great viz(compared to 1st dive) during this dive at approx. 15 to 18 feet, good water temp(58F) and interesting u/w topography. Mixed in between large sections of wreckage are some giant boulders and almost wall-like rock formations. Lots of fish--good sized pollock or haddock(I'm not sure), big sea raven/robin?, and tons of smaller fish. A few lobsters, but tucked in really good into the nooks and crannies of the remains of the City of Salisbury. Had good bottom(39 minutes w/ a steel 72) time since I kept to the most part between 35 and 45 fsw, but you can go down to almost 80 fsw I believe. Capt. Pat found a pretty old weight belt. Two big thumbs up again for Capt. Pat and DM Paul at BDS. I will definitely be back for another charter. A great day on and under the water and well worth the day off from work.

Jimmie O

 

[Boston Diver Services]

Glad you had a good trip Jim. Hope we see you soon for some more dives.
P.

 

[Scallywag]

Info about wreck.

http://www.mass.gov/czm/ua-citys.htm

 

[LobstaMan]

Hey Pat, check your PMs regarding the above wreck.

LobstaMan