Oriskany - post Gustav report

seadoggirl · Sep 8, 2008

We dove the Oriskany today on the H2O Below. It was my first dive after Hurricane Gustav. Without a doubt it is a whole new dive. The depth is about 10 feet deeper than before. We measured it at several different points and it appears that the wreck sank 10 feet and is listing a little to the starboard side. On the tower it appears that there is about a 18 inch difference from the port and starboard side. In addition to the depth and how it is sitting, there was significant structural changes. The bridges and other swim throughs have stuff that was not there before in the floor. There is a ladder in one of the swim throughs that is no longer connected and is turned side ways. On the side of the smoke stack the facing (I don't know what it is called) that is about 12 inches wide is gone. I think I saw it down below but I was trying to look at everything at once. The captain also noted on the bottom machine that it appears that the flight deck is warped. I don't really know how to explain it other than it looks from like it has waves in the flight deck. There was some discussion about the structure having stress points built in that allow the ship to take the waves and not crack into - maybe that is where the warpness comes in. I don't have a clue - just guessing. Like I said I was trying to see everything at once and was more concerned about the main structure.

So the good news is that if you have never seen it - it is a wonderful dive. If you have seen the Oriskany Pre-Gustav - you need to come see the Post-Gustav version. I have over 100 dives just on the Oriskany and it was a blast to see the changes. I'm diving it again today and will have more information about the changes.

BTW - the vis was not great - 20 feet but that is to be expected. The water was warmer than two weeks ago. The surface feels like bath water. The seas were perfect with less than one foot roller. So it was a bright and sunny day on a brand new wreck named the Oriskany! More to follow....

The Sunday report is better. The visibility is about double what it was on Saturday and the muck layer is settling. The seas were flat and the water was a little warmer. The sun was out and the hot dogs were toastie!

seadoggirl · Sep 8, 2008

Also on Sunday we put a couple of seasoned Oriskany divers in the water to clear up some of the issues in the swim throughs. It is safe but it is different. Come see us on the H2O Below - call either MBT or Captain Douglas to book the trip.

seadoggirl · Sep 8, 2008

Sorry, I keep thinking of other stuff. The Octopus have been located and they appear to be okay. Must have been a wild ride for them! I wish the barracuba would have gotten blown to New Orleans but they are still there too and appear to be even friendlier than before. Damn it! The spiney oyster are still attached everywhere. I had wondered if they would be blown loose. Crazy it detacted steel but left the scallops shells and oyster shells attached. I didn't get down to see if any lobster were below but I'll keep looking.

AuTgrDvr · Sep 8, 2008

Great report! I can't wait for a revisit and hope to be down that way soon!

bge123 · Sep 8, 2008

Seadoogirl, I was on the Saturday dives w/ you on H2O Below...and what a great day...

For those who have not been yet, here is my short version:

The Oriskany is a great dive, but would not suggest for less than AOW (especially with the new starting depth of 77 feet). This is by far my favorite dive to date. Vis was maybe 25 feet, but even with that, if you move slow and careful, there is a lot to see. Water temp at 120 was 78, so I was well over-dressed in my 5ml suit. Would bring my 3ml if I could do it again (which I may come October - grin). Expected to be on the top at 67 feet, but only started to see the wreck at 60 or so...I will admit that when I hit 122 ft and was looking "down" at the Admirals Bridge, kinda knew something was amiss... My dive partner and I have been diving together for years and that made for a great experience too.

For me, it hit about 10 mins into my first dive, the "WOW" factor that after two years of thinking and reading about it, here I was on the Oriskany myself. The bit of history in the pre-dive that this was the last piece of the US that McCain saw before being shot down was moving as well.

Kudos to H2O Below, her captain and crew. All 4 of you made this a very enjoyable and educational adventure. I look forward to riding out with you again. MBT, you guys are great as well. I look forward to booking through you in the future...and you will see me again.

Oh, and Peg Leg Pete's was great. Loved my Grouper sandwich (thanks to she who suggested it). Grouper sandwich and a pitcher of Guinness is a GREAT way to end a day of diving.

Gil from Atlanta, GA

mike_s · Sep 8, 2008

so this puts the flightdeck at more like 145 feet now?

ReefHound · Sep 8, 2008

Wow. So the flight deck which had been around 138 feet by the tower is now more like 148 feet? That will make the wreck more dangerous since, wise or otherwise, touching the deck seems to be a "must do" for many recreational divers. It was already stretching the 130' max limit and now will blow it away. The tables only go to 140' (130' for planning).

Scubakevdm · Sep 8, 2008

seadoggirl:
We dove the Oriskany today on the H2O Below. It was my first dive after Hurricane Gustav. Without a doubt it is a whole new dive. The depth is about 10 feet deeper than before. We measured it at several different points and it appears that the wreck sank 10 feet and is listing a little to the starboard side. On the tower it appears that there is about a 18 inch difference from the port and starboard side. In addition to the depth and how it is sitting, there was significant structural changes. The bridges and other swim throughs have stuff that was not there before in the floor. There is a ladder in one of the swim throughs that is no longer connected and is turned side ways. On the side of the smoke stack the facing (I don't know what it is called) that is about 12 inches wide is gone. I think I saw it down below but I was trying to look at everything at once. The captain also noted on the bottom machine that it appears that the flight deck is warped. I don't really know how to explain it other than it looks from like it has waves in the flight deck. There was some discussion about the structure having stress points built in that allow the ship to take the waves and not crack into - maybe that is where the warpness comes in. I don't have a clue - just guessing. Like I said I was trying to see everything at once and was more concerned about the main structure.

So the good news is that if you have never seen it - it is a wonderful dive. If you have seen the Oriskany Pre-Gustav - you need to come see the Post-Gustav version. I have over 100 dives just on the Oriskany and it was a blast to see the changes. I'm diving it again today and will have more information about the changes.

BTW - the vis was not great - 20 feet but that is to be expected. The water was warmer than two weeks ago. The surface feels like bath water. The seas were perfect with less than one foot roller. So it was a bright and sunny day on a brand new wreck named the Oriskany! More to follow....

The Sunday report is better. The visibility is about double what it was on Saturday and the muck layer is settling. The seas were flat and the water was a little warmer. The sun was out and the hot dogs were toastie!

The deck appearing warped is probably a result of the dive boat rising and falling on the long flat swells you mentioned.

htn123 · Sep 8, 2008

Mike,
Yes, your calculation is correct. It is around 145 feet now. It changed our plan a bit.
We were down 122 and barely see the A bridge.

Gil,
That was an awesome dive. Will do it again. I will post the pictures for you later today.

And again, I would just like to reiterate on what Gil said. It would be much better/safer for you and for the crew that you have lots of dive under your belt and at least advance cert before you try the O.

It is DEEP and now it is 10 feet deeper and when the vis was down to 25' or less and the current is ripping, it will be a challenging dive. On Saturday dive, a couple of open certs had to be escorted back on the boat from various reasons or another.

Just want to add; Gustav added 10 feet to the O. Now Ike is coming. That probably will add a few more feet to the O. So the prudent thing to do is really plan it out and really watch that depth gauge.

It is a fantastic dive and you will enjoy much more if you can handle yourself.
We loved it, will be back to the O and will sign up with H2O Below again next time. They are a top notch crew.
Charles.

wjefferis · Sep 8, 2008

Lets hope that Ike pushes her back the other way

. While I am wishing maybe Ike could pick it up maybe 20 feet or so :cool2:.

This was always my worry when they decided to sink her in such deep water that one day she would totally list and put her out of range of rec divers. I know that they were unsure how she would go down so they played it safe and put her in deep water. I just wish it would have been in shallower water.

Oriskany - post Gustav report

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