The Outer Banks of North Carolina has a name of being the graveyard of the Atlantic, and there are estimates of 3,000 wrecked ships or more throughout those islands going back to first English settlements in America. Night journeys, bad weather, deceived navigation and uncharted underwater rocks, all contributed to the OBX shipwreck legend, not to mention war.
Several of these shipwrecks can be reached by kayaking, swimming, or scuba diving. It's extremely important when exploring these shipwrecks to have proper conditions, suitable floatation devices and location markers. It is advisable to swim with a buddy and follow beach safety tips. A better option is to get an outside view of these shipwrecks by booking an air tour that will take you on the long stretch of coastline.
Here are Some Historical Shipwrecks that can be Found on the Outer Banks
1. The Huron
The Huron lies in the Nags Head area near Bladen Street beach access and approximately around Milepost 11/12. It is one of the more well known beach dives that you can visit on the Outer Banks. For the entire summer, it's usually marked by buoys about 200 yards off shore, which makes it convenient to locate. On clear days divers and swimmers can study the wreckage that lies at a depth of about 20 feet. From bow to stern, snorkelers can see bomb racks, the propeller and rudder, as well as the boiler. A multitude of marine life surrounds the ship while the shifting sands cover and uncover parts regularly.
The Huron sank on November 24, 1877, while en route to Havana, Cuba. It was heavy winds, rain and a faulty compass which actually made The Huron run onto the rocks. Along with its two sister ships, the Huron was the last naval vessel made of iron in America, and it also possessed sails for supporting those huge steam engines aboard.
2. The Triangle Wrecks
It is located just a stone's throw from the Second St. beach access in Kill Devil Hills area near Milepost 7. In December 1927, The Kyzickes, a tanker heading to Spain with crude oil sank because of storm that hit and broke the ship's boiler tubes allowing water to seep inside. Below water line you can see the wreckage including a boiler. The wreckage lies in about 15-20 feet of water and appears in the shape of a triangle. There are scattered chunks which can be found up to 250 yards off the shore.
3. The Oriental
The Oriental shipwreck lies 3 miles south of the new Oregon Inlet Basnight Bridge and is straight across from Pea Island Visitor Center. Known as the Boiler Wreck its steam engine juts above the water and gives the appearance of a boiler about 100 yards from shore in 15-20 feet of water. The wreck is facing the beach and occasionally is visible to those fishing. This ship sank on May 16, 1862. With the wreckage and small boats often found working the area, a dive flag is highly recommended.
4. The Pocahontas
As we move south of the Northern Beaches into Hatteras Island, you arrive at The Pocahontas. This ship, also known as The Richmond, is located off Sand Street in Salvo. During the summer months, the National Park Service sometimes limits public access to driving on the beach. Wreckage of The Pocahontas is just 75 yards offshore. Depths range between 10-15 ft at this location. This paddle wheel steamer was lost during the civil war in an incident preceding the Burnside Expedition's "Battle for Roanoke Island."
5. The Winks Wreck
The Winks Wreck is located near Milepost 2 in the Kitty Hawk area, off Luke Street. It rests in about 15-20 ft of water some 120 yards off the shore. The Winks Wreck site is not very large, and this makes it a little bit more difficult than other wrecks to locate. A good time of year and water visibility levels will be decisive factors in identifying this shipwreck. The ship's complete history still lacks full authentication, but some think it might be the British Steamer Mountainer from Liverpool.