Secrets Of North Carolina’s Coastal Shipwrecks

Have you ever wondered about the hidden stories beneath North Carolina's coastal waters? The shipwrecks along this coastline hold tales of adventure, tragedy, and mystery. Known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," this area has over 2,000 documented wrecks. From pirate ships to World War II submarines, each wreck has a unique story. Divers and history buffs alike find these underwater sites fascinating. Imagine swimming through the remains of a sunken vessel, seeing artifacts frozen in time. Whether you're an experienced diver or just curious, exploring these shipwrecks offers a glimpse into the past. Ready to dive into history?

Secrets of North Carolina's Coastal Shipwrecks

North Carolina's coast holds a treasure chest of maritime history. Beneath its waves lie shipwrecks that tell tales of adventure, tragedy, and mystery. Let's dive into some of the most fascinating shipwrecks along this storied coastline.

Graveyard of the Atlantic

The waters off North Carolina's coast are known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. This area has claimed countless ships over the centuries due to treacherous currents, hidden shoals, and violent storms. Here are some of the most notable wrecks.

1. USS Monitor

   • The USS Monitor, an ironclad warship from the Civil War, sank in 1862 during a storm. Its wreck was discovered in 1973 and has since become a popular dive site.

2. Queen Anne's Revenge

   • Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, ran aground near Beaufort Inlet in 1718. The wreck was discovered in 1996, and many artifacts have been recovered, shedding light on pirate life.

3. Huron

   • The USS Huron, a post-Civil War iron-hulled steamer, sank off Nags Head in 1877. The wreck lies in shallow water, making it accessible to snorkelers and divers.

World War II Shipwrecks

During World War II, German U-boats prowled the waters off North Carolina, sinking numerous Allied vessels. These wrecks now serve as underwater memorials and dive sites.

4. U-352

   • The German U-boat U-352 was sunk by the US Coast Guard cutter Icarus in 1942. The wreck lies in about 110 feet of water and is a popular site for experienced divers.

5. E.M. Clark

   • The tanker E.M. Clark was torpedoed by U-124 in 1942. The wreck, located off Cape Hatteras, is a haunting reminder of the Battle of the Atlantic.

6. Papoose

   • The tanker Papoose, also sunk by a German U-boat in 1942, rests in about 120 feet of water. Its intact structure makes it a fascinating dive site.

Historic Shipwrecks

Beyond the warships and pirate vessels, North Carolina's coast has claimed many other ships over the centuries. These wrecks offer a glimpse into the state's maritime past.

7. Metropolis

   • The Metropolis, a passenger steamer, sank off Currituck Beach in 1878. The tragedy led to the establishment of the US Life-Saving Service, a precursor to the Coast Guard.

8. Laura Barnes

   • The schooner Laura Barnes ran aground near Nags Head in 1921. The wreck is now part of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and can be seen from the beach.

9. Carroll A. Deering

   • The Carroll A. Deering, a five-masted schooner, was found abandoned off Cape Hatteras in 1921. The mystery of its crew's disappearance remains unsolved.

Diving into History

Exploring these shipwrecks offers a unique way to connect with North Carolina's rich maritime heritage. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a history enthusiast, these underwater sites provide a window into the past.

10. Advance

    • The Confederate blockade runner Advance was captured and sunk by Union forces in 1864. Its wreck lies off Fort Fisher and is a popular site for divers interested in Civil War history.

11. Proteus

    • The passenger liner Proteus sank off Cape Hatteras in 1918. The wreck, located in deep water, is a challenging dive but offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century maritime travel.

12. City of Houston

    • The steamship City of Houston sank in 1878 near Ocracoke Island. The wreck is accessible to divers and snorkelers, offering a look at a 19th-century steamship.

North Carolina's coastal shipwrecks are more than just sunken vessels; they are time capsules preserving the stories of those who sailed its waters. Each wreck has its own tale to tell, waiting to be discovered by those willing to explore the depths.

Discovering North Carolina's Hidden Treasures

North Carolina's coastal shipwrecks offer a unique glimpse into maritime history. Exploring these underwater sites reveals stories of adventure, tragedy, and resilience. From the infamous Graveyard of the Atlantic to lesser-known wrecks, each site has its own tale to tell. Diving enthusiasts and history buffs alike will find something captivating beneath the waves.

These shipwrecks not only provide a window into the past but also support diverse marine ecosystems. They serve as artificial reefs, attracting a variety of marine life. This makes them a haven for underwater photographers and marine biologists.

Whether you're an experienced diver or just curious about maritime history, North Carolina's shipwrecks are worth exploring. They remind us of the ocean's power and the human spirit's enduring quest for discovery. So, next time you're near the coast, take a dive into history and uncover these hidden treasures.