Dive Report (8/06/05): U-853

[RIOceanographer]

ScubaSarus and I did the U-853 today, finally breaking my U-853 curse. I had struck out due to the weather on my 3 prior attempts. This time around the conditions were great. My buddy Matt who shares my U-boat curse (he struck out twice with me last year on the U853) was supposed to go with us today but had to cancel because he had friends visiting from out of town. I figure that is the reason we succeeded. Matt's U-boat curse must be more powerful than mine therefore the fact that he couldn't go meant the weather would be good.... Thanks Matt!

Seas were around 2-4 ft and they got better as the day progressed. Visibility at the site was probably about 20 ft with the temperatures on the wreck at around 52 degrees F (I dove dry). There was almost no current.

We ended up mooring to the bow and dropped down to the deck at about 110 ft and then swam aft to the blast hole just foward of the conning tower. We inspected several of the hatches and dropped into the blast hole to investigate briefly (119 ft in the hole). We then move up to the conning tower and I took a brief look at the gleaming stainless steel periscope before it was time to head back to the ascent line for a nice long leisurely ascent back to the surface.

All around it was a great dive and I couldn't have asked for much better conditions.

We went out with Ocean Adventures Dive Charters. It was a nice boat for small private charters, and the Capt. (Bill Becker) and the DM (Keith) were both great. They will do most of the other RI wrecks and I'd definitely recommend them based on our experience today. Here is their website:

http://www.oceanadventuresdivecharter.com/

 

[ScubaSarus]

I have to second that. It was an awsome experience and made awsome by such a great Captain (Bill) and Dive Master Keith. Not only did they assist our safety, Keith assured that our dive would be a great dive by leading us around to the interesting areas of the sub. Starting at the bow, past the torpedo loading hatch, into the blast hole (was that a femur or tibia I came across in there?), around the conning tower and back safely to the proper moring. I saw the largest tautog ever again (they keep getting bigger the deeper I go). Should note there was a noteble light headiness feeling present. Max depth 119'.

Like Doc. Chris said, these guys do many wrecks out there are quite professional and experience divers and have a great knowledge of the waters of R.I. I highly recommend them.

Our plan was for Chris and I to go alone, having Keith guide us was a big bonus and it added an immense factor of safety since this was both of our first dives on the sub. As anyone's first dive I would highly suggest going with someone familiar with the U-853 in order to make it back to the proper moring and without going into deco. That light headed feeling could alter a dive plan and its good to have an experienced person with you. Hoods off to both Keith and Bill for making our first U-853 dive a safe and memorable one.

Notes:

(for those who have asked in the last posting)
To make the U-853 dive I think its mandatory one is comftable being in a dark and relatively cool underwater environment and be able to keep a good watch on their gages, computer,buddy, and know were they are at. Local silt-outs do occasionaly happen and vis can go to zero fast in areas. Good bouyancy and light fin kicking will minimize this. A good light is a plus.

Another note to mention is that we were asked not to penetrate the sub. I didn't relize the sub could be easily penetrated until I got down there. It's open in places and is and was tempting. Without proper training don't penetrate to overhead. Bring a bright light and simply look in and you'll see some neat stuff or eerie stuff depending on how you look at it.

The other Chris