Wreck of the Uss San Diego
Historic WWI warship wreck teeming with diverse marine life.
Boat Access
30m Avg Depth
34m Max Depth
About this dive site
This dive site presents the wreck of the USS San Diego, a significant warship lost in 1918 off Cherry Grove on Fire Island, New York. The wreck lies at a depth of 110 feet and is surrounded by numerous other shipwrecks, including the Cunard Liner SS Oregon, which sank in 1886. The San Diego played a crucial role during World War I, escorting convoys carrying vital supplies across the dangerous North Atlantic from Tompkinsville, N.Y., and Halifax, N.S., to Europe. It was tragically torpedoed by German submarine U-156 southeast of Fire Island on July 19, 1918, sinking in just 28 minutes with the loss of six lives – a heartbreaking event as the only major warship lost by the United States during that conflict. The site is well-documented and frequently visited by divers. The waters surrounding the wreck are teeming with marine life, including anenomies, lobsters, and various fish species finding shelter within the ship's remains. It’s a popular destination offering both historical significance and underwater exploration.
DivingFreedivingSnorkeling
Plan Your Visit
wrecksharkadvanced onlyboat divehistoric wreckcold water
Marine Life
sand tiger sharklobsteranemoneblack sea basstautogcunner
Things to Note
Difficulty:
Advanced
Deep wreck at 34m requires advanced certification and experience.
Hazards:
depthcurrententanglementboat traffic
Current Strength:
Variable

