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| MileMarker: | 110 |
| Location: | Offshore of Elbow Reef, directly East-North East of Lighthouse; between Elbow bouys E9 and E10 |
| Markers: | Bouys E9 and E10 |
| Depth Range: | 20 to 35 feet deep |
| Skill Level req.: | beginner |
| Risks/Warnings: | none |
| History | |
| The City of Washington was built in 1877. She was 320 feet long, with a 38-foot beam. She was initially a steamer-sailer, with 3 masts to supplement the 3-cylinder engines. Originally a passenger carrier, the City of Washington was right next to the US battleship Maine when the Maine exploded in Havana harbor in 1898, igniting the Spanish-American War. She rescued 90 of the Maine's sailors. She was converted into a coal-barge in 1908. She ran aground and sank on Elbow Reef in 1917 while under tow by the tug Edgar F. Luckenbach. | |
| Dive Description | |
| The City of Washington sits upright in 25 - 35 feet of water. Current is generally mild to moderate. This is an excellent beginner's dive. The wreck is entirely open to divers. It is somewhat intact, albeit very wrecked. Veteran wreck divers may be disappointed as there are no penetration opportunities. Coral and other fishlife thoroughly claimed this wreck decades ago. Some of the inner chambers are home to moray eels, grouper, and spiny lobster. Hand-feeding of barracuda at this wreck has domesticated and emboldened the fish significantly. Never dive with flashy jewelry. Keep your hands clenched and close to your body, as the barracuda are known to snap at fingers (thinking they're being fed again). The surrounding reef also merits inspection. This is a good place to do a beginner 2-tank dive, since you can spend 1 on the wreck and 1 on the reef. For further information, visit this link: Indiana University-City of Washington Info |
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| Divesite info by: Jonathan Brinkman | |
Divelog for The City of Washington - Wreck
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