The Bluffs Shipwreck New York and New Jersey's (Wreck Valley)

The Bluffs 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.

BLUFFS WRECK

DIRECTIONS: (Bay Head, Ocean County)
Take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 98. Take Rt 34, you will pass through two traffic circles. After the second circle Rt 34 will change into Rt 35. Continue over the bridge to the end and turn left on to Sea Ave. Take Sea Ave to Ocean Ave and turn right. Head South to Mount Street and turn left.

CONDITIONS:
The Bluffs Wreck is a favorite check out site for diving instructors. The wreck is located in 20 feet of water 200 feet off the jetty in Bay Head. On the wreck divers will find steel hull plates, boilers and machinery. This wreck was named after the hotel that was located here for years. This hotel was just recently replaced with a restaurant. The wreck's true identity still remains a mystery. Although sometimes called the Creole, no positive identification has yet been made. Even though never positively identified, this wrecks description is consistent with that of the steamer Creole, a coastal steamer built in 1862.

According to Bill Davis, the south end of the wreck is dominated by a large rectangular boiler and is home to various species of fish. Black fish up to seven pounds have been taken by spear fishermen. As you swim north on the wreckage you come to an area with large machinery. From this area Bill and his dive buddies recovered a brass capstan, but unfortunately it did not bear any markings or give any additional clues about the wreck's name.

Continuing north the wreckage disappears into the sand leaving only her propeller shaft exposed. Swimming along the propeller shaft, debris will be noticed off the wreck. This area is well worth exploring as bottles and a few American coins have been found here.

Swimming off the wreck out towards the east are the large remains of her decking. This area is a great spot not only to look for artifacts but for lobsters as well. At times this decking can be completely covered over by the shifting sands.

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