more YO-257

July
1998

Dive of the Month

The Caverns

The "Mahi"

Lobster Diving

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I had so much fun diving the YO-257 in June that I decided to put more info this month. Most people that I take out to the wreck really enjoy this dive. There is such an abundance of fish and other sea creatures. This is a dive that you can go back to over and over again.

Your first dive here you will probably be taken in by the big items. The "Atlantis" submarine, the yard oiler itself, the and the eagle rays and turtles that make this their home.

As you spend some time here you will notice the eels that live in the old piping and other nooks and crannies of the ship. Then you will start to see some of the little things. The delicate corals and small, colorful reef fish, urchins and others that are slowly turning this 'wreck' into a 'reef'.

You should expect a current at the surface, this has pushed many unsuspecting divers further away from their dive boats than they wanted. To avoid a long swim clown fish back to the boat, pay attention and move to the mooring as soon as you enter the water. Once you have your dive buddy with you, follow the mooring down. there is a loop tied in the mooring at approximately 15'. Continuing down the polypro line connects to a large steel mooring ball at about 40'. At this depth you will usually start to see the effects of any current diminish. The 'ball' is connected to the deck of the ship with chain. As you make your way around the ship be cautious of the stanchions that are rusting away, mostly near the ladders leading to the wheelhouse, these are rather jagged and sharp. As wrecks go this one is quite diver friendly, but it is not Disney land so you still have to be careful and watch yourself and your buddy.

If you plan to go to the east to the other wreck (a fishing boat about 1/2 the size of the YO), listen and watch for the submarines. Please don't get in the way of them, and never approach them.