The Great Isaac Shipwreck
New York and New Jersey's (Wreck Valley)
Historical and current New York and New Jersey Shipwreck Information and images for scuba
divers and fisherman.
GREAT ISAAC
The Great Isaac was a185 foot long, 37 foot wide V-4 ocean going
tug. She was built by General Ship and Engine Works, Boston,
Massachusetts, in 1944 and was powered by twin diesel engines.
On April 16, 1947,while towing the Thomas M Cooley, a liberty ship,
from Norfolk, Virginia, toNew York, and while passing through a
dense fog bank, she was struck amid ships on her port side by the
Norwegian freighter, Bandeirante. Captain Ernest Mc Cleary, and 27
of his crew abandoned ship and were lucky enough to be picked up by
the Bandeirante. The Great Isaac was doomed and went down shortly
after.
Today, the Great Isaac is a fantastic three dimensional shipwreck.
Her totally intact remains rest on her port side and are buried so
that only half of her hull rises above the sea bed. Depth at the
wreck ranges from 85 to 90 feet. This wreck is often penetrated by
experienced wreck divers looking for artifacts and lobsters. Just
remember that due to the extreme angle at which this tug lies, it is
easy to get disoriented. As always, a
penetration line is
recommended. Chuck Zimmaro drew a beautiful detailed sketch of this
wreck on the bottom. His drawing allows divers who have never been
on her to get a clear picture of how she rests before even getting
wet.
Photo Courtesy Cindy Sea
III Charters Pt Pleasant, NJ.
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The Great Isaac was a185 foot long, 37 foot wide V-4 ocean going
tug. She was built by General Ship and Engine Works, Boston,
Massachusetts, in 1944 and was powered by twin diesel engines.