Would the Oriskany be a better dive if she was on her side?

[mike_s]

So, I was wondering... Would the USS Oriskany be a better dive if it was on her side? (port or starboard).


I haven't dove her.. (yet) but was watching the show on her sinking and wondered how different it would be.

One thing to consider is that the beam (width) of the flight deck is over 140 feet wide and I would expect would be "angled" upwards of on her side.


I'm just wondering for discussion sake. Especially if a large storm knocked her broadside and over.

 

[Jorbar1551]

My personal opinion is no. Are penetration dives possible on the oriskany?

 

[jeraldjcook]

I vote no. It would be just like the Spiegel when it was on its side until the hurricane (Dennis?) came. Not near as neat as being right side up.

 

[PerroneFord]

For tech divers maybe it would be better. For recreational divers it would be a nightmare.

I enjoyed it like it was. When I am able to penetrate, I'll enjoy it more.

 

[mike_s]

My personal opinion is no. Are penetration dives possible on the oriskany?

Divers area already penetrating it. Especially the decks in the island and some into the hanger deck.

is you question really how many decks they are going down? I don't know that but I'm sure there are some who have and more who will.

 

[rawls]

Would make for a much deeper dive I would think. I can't remember for certain but isn't it about 200 fsw to the bottom of the hull. I think that since the navigational bridges are well within recreational diving limits, it should stay as it is

Are penetration dives possible on the oriskany?

It is strongly suggested that divers do not do penetration dives. Will that stop them...I doubt it.

 

[meekal]

i'd vote yes.... since it would be resting at a delightful angle (i saw the show too!) but the tower would have to be at the top (opposite of what the show depicted) maybe we'll get lucky and a storm will flip it like the Spiegel Grove....

 

[MarkUK]

If the Oriskany rolled over on to her side with the island to the bottom, it would screw the wreck up for most divers, except techies. If it rolled the other way, with the island to the top (highly unlikely), it would still stop it being so attractive to rec divers as it would throw all their natural navigation to hell.

I did seven dives on it in three days a month or so ago and fully explored all of the island from the flight deck level up (and a quick peek down towards the hangar deck as well) and the penetrations in the whole are easy. A couple are quite dark, but the majority are well lit and you can work your way up and down ladders and companionways. If these were on their side, it would play havoc with people's abilities to roam around quite so freely.

An aircraft carrier may be bloody huge, but it isn't the best wreck for an artificial reef, especially when they have to put them deep enough to be under the minimum restriction. The only bit of the 'O' that most rec divers will see is the island, which is a tiny amount of the whole ship. If they'd sunk a frigate or battleship, it might have been smaller overall, but there would have been more superstructure for people to explore in the rec limits.

I personally thought the Grove was better on its side. Now it is upright, there is no point dropping over the side from the main deck, as all you see all the way to 42m is blank hull. When it was on its side, you could hit the bottom and work your way up, multi-levelling among all the superstructure, all the way to 16m. However, for the majority of divers visiting the Keys to dive the Grove, I admit it will be better for them now that it is upright.

Mark

 

[seadoggirl]

I like the O like she is. Ofcourse I'm wondering now what it would be like at the angle. I dove the Grove after it was set upright and it was amazing. I've also dove the O several times like she is. They are very different dives but wonderful. Come visit the O, you won't regret it.

 

[Doubles]

I think she is fine just as she is. Current situation provides the best access for divers of all diving disciplines.

Penetration is easy and back in July even the worst diver could go inside and not silt it out as there wasnt any silt (yet). Was a bit odd being able to see the tile decks and the painted deck/hatch/door identifications on the bulkhead.

Its just a LONG boat ride. Would be better if someone had a small live aboard with compressors (and helium) so one could get more for there money. Not complaining about prices, its expensive for the operators, but when you factor in travell, hotel, and the dives - it does add up for 2 short dives a day.

Cheers