Diving the Luchenbach Sun. 12-17-06

[RAD Diver]

I hope to go out Sunday with Lynnhaven. I will call tomorrow to make sure they are still going.
Anyone up for it? Air temps are suppose to be in the 70s.

 

[King_of_All_Tyrants]

Can't make it. But could you post a bit of info on the Luchenbach, or a link to it? I'm always interested in learning about local dive sites.

 

[Drewski]

Oh, that's SO tempting, BUT I'm just not ready for 100+ yet without some more "spin up" dives. I'm also waiting on delivery of a Viking DS.

Are there any of airplane wings with the guns in them still down there and is that aux steering area still intact with the swim through?

It's an AWSOME wreck.

You, sir, are a DOG for getting me thinking about this.

Dive safe...

BTW, is Doug from this board going?

 

[Drewski]

Can't make it. But could you post a bit of info on the Luchenbach, or a link to it? I'm always interested in learning about local dive sites.

Ask oh brother and ye shall receive...

The Lillian Luckenback (previously the Marica) was built by Sun Ship Building of Chester, PA in 1919. She was 448 FT long, grossed 6,369 tons and was powered by oil fired steam turbines. The Luckenbach was sunk on March 27, 1943 by a collision with the SS Cape Henlopen during convoy escort out of the mine swept channel to the Chesapeake Bay. No crew members were killed.

Today, the wreck sits in about 100 to 110 FSW on it's port side with a mostly intact hull. The super structure of the ship is demolished and lays in the sand next to the wreck along with much of it's cargo. The debris field on this wreck is significant and includes the remains of aircraft, machine guns and a bunch of tires. Several sections of the wreck used to be penetrable, I don't know if they still are. The auxiliary helm and telegraph from this wreck was raised by divers in the 1980s and was displayed in a nautical antiques store at Virginia Beach Blvd and Kempsville Road in Norfolk. Artifact digging on this wreck was (needless to say) awesome!

Typical visibility in the summer was 50-75 FT, depending on the Gulf Stream. It could be cold during the summer as well, with bottom temps in the 50s because of the Labrador Current. Winter bottom temps definitely cold, low 50s or less. I've seen monster Cod on this wreck during the winter.

I’d rate it as a top 5 dive for the VAB/OBX area.

Here's an old "picture," circa 1920:

ENJOY!

 

[RAD Diver]

Ive only been on the Luchenbach once, but if I remember correctly it was only 95fsw to the sand. This was last year & I cant seem to find my old log to confirm. I also dont remember much still being intact, but it is huge & I was lost on it once or twice. LOL
Nice write up & picture Drewski.

 

[RAD Diver]

Dive was canceled due to lack of interest. Only 5 divers & they (Lynnhaven) need 8 to put the boat out.

 

[Drewski]

Ive only been on the Luchenbach once, but if I remember correctly it was only 95fsw to the sand. This was last year & I cant seem to find my old log to confirm. I also dont remember much still being intact, but it is huge & I was lost on it once or twice. LOL
Nice write up & picture Drewski.

Yep, she's a big one. I had just over 100' to the sand when I dived her last, 16 years ago last summer... Of course back then, we didn't have digital depth guages and all the other cool stuff. It's also probably broke up some since I was last on it.

Anyway, my new Viking DS should ship this week and I'm planning a few pool sessions and probably a day trip to Rawlings to check it out. I've also hooked up with my buddy from OBX Dive Shop and am heading to Florida on December 27-31.

As soon as I get things a little more sorted out, I'll be happy to start doing some dives.

Keep the faith!

 

[King_of_All_Tyrants]

I take it that this ship is near VA Beach?

If so, I'd definitely be interested in a dive sometime in mid-2007. Like Drew, I also need to buy and do some quarry work in a drysuit before I go out on a wreck. But maybe next winter we can go see some of the monster cod.

 

[Oyster Diver]

Sorry to hear your dive got cancelled. If I had known I would have been in and maybe could have brought a couple more divers. You would have had great weather for this time of year. Anytime you want to go diving let me know. I can usually shake free.

I tried to go out with Lynnhaven last weekend (the 9th and 10th) but they also got cancelled due to lack of interest. I have never been out with them, but I have only heard good things about them.

 

[RAD Diver]

Cool, we need to keep up with this & we could probably come up with enough to get the boat to go. Need 8.
I dive with Lynnhaven quite often since Dive Quarters only runs a 6-pack & it fills up quick. Especially when they are hitting something good.
You cant beat those Lindsey dogs during SI. Another good thing about Lynnhaven.