U-853
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MSilvia
Contributor
Oh man... I gotta hear this story. What happened?trob09:
MSilvia:
The short version with dramatics down-played:
We were aboard the John Jack for a 2-day trip to the Carolina off of New Jersey
Day 1 - left the dock at midnight, got to the wreck around 6:30 or so. Beautiful day, minimal waves and little current. Most did 2 dives that day, I elected to do 1. Great dive.
It's now dinner-time. And dark. We've been anchored on the wreck since 6:30 or so with dive flags flying and at-anchor/limited mobility lights on as per coast guard regs. About half the day we'd seen this fishing boat. Big. Fishing. Boat. My 2 buddies had finished their deco and boarded about 15 - 20 minutes before the event. I see the boat go by on the starboard side (about 40 yards or so) and think 'that's pretty close...' I go below to get something out of my bag.
I was below and headed up. As I got to the top of the stairs (where you can see right out the back & over the Transom) I see the fishing boat about 15 - 20 yards off the stern and backing up towards the JJ. Capt. Zero shouts a few profanities and goes running out the back just as the fishing boat collides with the JJ. It knocks us forward a bit, but keeps coming and hits us again as their trawling/dredge arm swings over the stern area of the boat, chains are dangling and the boat scrapes along the starboard gunwale. One of my buddies climbs on the gunwale to push the chains back to keep them from ripping off the pilot house. He gets knocked down onto the deck.
By this time, the JJ crew has cut the anchor line and started the engines - we motor away. then the damage assessment starts:
- Dive ladder - gone.
- Crew members new dry suit - 4 holes
- lots of cosmetic damage.
- no leaks.
We stay on station while Zero & the fishing boat captain talk to the coast guard. Since we are not in danger of sinking, they send us home. While we were waiting, several of us noticed a 'new' 12-pack wrapper floating on the surface (mind you, we're 40 miles off-shore). I got my HID light & shone it on the wrapper to see what it was but it was printed-side down. My bet is that there's a few un-opened beers on the wreck now.
The fishing boat captain claimed we backed into him. He then asks (since we're divers) if we can help him get his dredge...
RIDIVER501
Contributor
I have done the U-853 a bunch of times, diving it for fun and as the DM leading the trip. It is a great dive. Very nice outside. I dove on it 6 times before doing a penetration dive and then I only have done 3 of those. One of My DM candidates, Fred Burgess does Pen dives on it all the time. He is the closest expert on her that I know I can hook you up with him if you'd like.
MSilvia
Contributor
At anchor... right.trob09:
I hope you told him things that aren't fit for scubaboard posting.trob09:
Headed to Block Island for the 1st week of Aug. 05, looking for any info on dive operators, shore dives, etc. on the island. Tips, warnings, stories welcomed. Good places to eat essential. My cert. is NAUI SCUBA and have only 16 dives but will be working on my AOW this spring. thanks in advance and safe diving to all. Rick2
matt_unique
Guest
Rick2:
It's my favorite weekend spot. I hit the island and nearby dive sites about once a month from May through Oct. The Bermuda of the Northeast....
There is one dive shop on the island and they can fill only air via a compressor. (They can fill HP tanks though). Kira runs the shop with her husband. I have only once used a charter for diving in that area so I don't know of any originating from the island.
There is a distinct "social clock" on the island in the summer. Late afternoon people go to Ballards. They usually have a live band. By 7 the place is practically dead. People have gone to shower and eat dinner before they head out to one of three primary places; Captain Nic's, Yellow Kittens, or the National. The National is more of a nice dinner/drinks/slightly older crowd. Captain Nic's and Kittens are where the young folk go for boozin' and hoorin' (ha ha). They have a range of bands which really determine the crowd. Some people also go over to Champlins along the salt pond.
After closing the bars the young obnoxious people from NY (kidding a little bit) return to their large boats slipped near Ballards to scream and yell through all hours of the night to ensure that I can't sleep prior to diving the next day. My buddies always seem to be able to sleep.....Anyway I have decided to avoid BI during busy weekends this year.
The Mohegan Cafe is a decent place to eat. There are several places that serve a good breakfast. I can't recall the names at the moment. There are a few restaurants beside the National that have decent food. There is a great place for dessert's/coffee/hanging out called Juice and Java. I almost hesitate to mention it because it never seems that busy but it is a great little place to go. It's along Ocean road as you pass the National on your left and round the sharp corner. About 60 yards past the corner on your right.
A moped is a good way to explore the island. A bike sounds cool but will get old fast. There are some decent hills on Block Island. You can ALWAYS wheel and deal for a better rental rate. Do not go to the place right near the ferry dock.
Monhegan Bluffs are really nice to see/explore and has a great beach. There are light houses to see if you're interested in that as well.
U853 would not be a good choice of a dive site based on your current experience. No offense intended at all, just constructive advice. The U is definintely one of the most advanced 130' dives you could do. I would build more experience prior to visiting this wreck. There are lot's of dive sites in this area and you gotta love the water temps (relative to Mass anyway - about 7-10 degrees warmer).
Block Island has excellent sandy beaches unlike the majority of the (rocky) NE coast.
It's getting late and I think I am rambling....you'll have a great time. It's a nice island with lots to do. If you dive it offers even more.
--Matt
MSilvia
Contributor
I can't recommend any shore dives as a result of my own ignorance of them, but if you get a chance to take a boat out to dive the Idene wreck, I think you'll really enjoy it. If I remember right, it's a "Hollywood wreck"... upright and intact in about 90 feet of water. Teaming with fish, a few large and easy swim throughs, and not a particularly difficult dive if you have any deep cold water experience.Rick2:
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