Scuba divers that are looking for a wreck diving paradise to hone their skills will fall in love with what Louisiana has to offer. The state attracts men and women from different backgrounds with its wonderful and diverse options in water sports, fishing and breathtaking natural scenery. There is a certain balance with the many leisure options that are offered to tourists allowing each and everyone to see both underwater and land beauties that are unknown to certain parts of the world. Whether you are travelling alone or with family, Louisiana has a little bit of everything for everyone. Below you will find a list of charming wreck sites to make your visit to the state unforgettable and challenging. Let’s take a peek!
El Cazador
The El Cazador was a Spanish brig that was loaded with silver coins on October 20, 1783 with the mission of rescuing the then Spanish colony Louisiana. However, on January 11, 1784 the ship disappeared and left the much needed colony in dire need of a solution. The El Cazador has often been referred as the wreck that “changed American history”. For nearly two hundred years it laid unmolested by man until a fisherman and his team stumbled upon the forgotten treasure. Over 400,000 silver coins were pulled from the wreckage and it has gone down in history as one of the most lucrative finds made by a civilian.
CSS Louisiana
The CSS Louisiana was an ironclad ship that was commissioned on April 20, 1862. She was built at the E.C. Shipyard in New Orleans, Louisiana and was intended to protect the lower Mississippi River from the advancing Union Navy. She was 264 feet long and had a beam that measured 62 feet. The ship could displace up to 1,400 tons and was fully equipped with seven 32-pounder guns, two 7-inch Brooke rifles, four 8-inch Dahlgren smoothbore guns and three 9-inch guns. She was lost at sea after her crew intentionally lit her on fire to prevent her from falling into the enemy’s hands. The fire eventually caused her to explode and she remained hidden for many years until she was re-discovered in 1981 in the River she was destined to protect.
German Submarine U-166
This German submarine was sent on a hunting mission on November 1, 1941 and is credited for sinking four American ships with the Robert E. Lee being its last. Upon firing upon and successfully destroying the Robert E. Lee, an immediate battle ensued and the U-166 was destroyed within a few miles of where the Robert E. Lee now rests. Both wrecks are located in more than 5000 ft of water and are considered graveyards which should not be disturbed. The wreckage of the U-166 and Robert E. Lee were discovered in 2001.
USCGC White Alder (WLM-541)
This Navy lighter was commissioned in 1947 and was 133ft long. Her beam was 30feet and she was built to cover a velocity of 19.4km/h. She was used on various Coast Guard duties until she sank in 1968 when she collided with MN Helena. The fate of the lighter was almost immediate and now she rests in 75 feet of water.
SS New York
The SS New York was a side-wheel steamship that was used throughout the 1840s. She was lost at sea during a storm in which the non-stopping water sank the ship, taking over 17 people to a dark and cold grave. She remained forgotten from 1846 when she sank until 1998 when she was discovered by a group of Louisiana residents.