Happy Memorial Day to the USS Rankin sailors/divers

[DIVERTOM]

The USS Rankin's officers alumni asked me a few months ago
about diving on the Rankin off of Stuart. I told them I would
try and get them some photos and a video of the wreck when
I could. Well we went on the 26th and everything was looking
great, clear skys, calm seas, blue water. The temp on the
surface was 78 but when we got down to the wreck it went
to 48. Yes I said 48 degrees. I froze my rear off but the vis
was the best I have ever seen on that wreck, way over 100ft
Well I got some great shots for the sailors and divers of that
ship and dedicated it their web-site. http://divertom.net/uss_rankin2.htm

Diver Tom

 

[scubafool]

Hey DiverTom! Thanks for the photos. Do you have a link to something concerning the history of the Rankin? I am always interested in such things. Also, could you post more about the wreck/ reef itself? Any info that you have would be appreciated.

Finally, to all of those who served on the Rankin, many thanks.

 

[DIVERTOM]

http://www.ussrankin.org/

This is a link to their web-site. Lots of good info here.

 

[scubafool]

Many thanks.

 

[CBulla]

Very cool. I saw your post on another board as well, excellent photos. Thanks for sharing them around!

Soooooooo.. some details man! Depth, time down, etc...

 

[pipedope]

Thanks for sharing the pics.

 

[GrierHPharmD]

Thanks for sharing the photos and the info.

Can you tell us a little more about the dive? Is it far offshore? Depth? Your experience, re: usual conditions?

 

[DIVERTOM]

The location is 6 miles ESE of the St. Lucie inlet. She rests north/south on her side
in 120ft of water. Her upper side is 65ft below the surface. I've now seen vis from
0ft to over 100ft. She lays in a location that is unpredictable. Lots of marine life.

Diver Tom

 

[ygthad]

Thanks Tom..