Posted by Jim on May 09, 19101 at 03:21:42:
In Reply to: subchaser off Zion IL posted by Michael Angelo Gagliardi on May 08, 19101 at 23:09:55:
: Hey does anyone know any Imfo about the Mystery wreck (a subchaser) off Zion.
: Is it diverable?
: are there any special rewgulations to dive there?
On summer weekends, jet skis can be a hazard at this site. I'm not sure if shore diving is allowed from Illinois Beach State Park, but you cannot drive very close to this site. There were roads leading to this area, but they are closed off and are being allowed to return to natural areas. The GPS numbers for the wreck are 42 27.535, 87 47.814 The Enterprise charter boat goes to this site although usually just as a shallow second dive after diving the Wisconsin. You can get more info on the Enterprise through Captain Dale's dive shop in Wheeling. The dive site is only about 14'deep, the wreckage is about 105' long and rises 8' off the bottom. This was a WW1 Subchaser, most likely the SC-419. It was purchased at a surplus auction and run aground to act as a break wall. The superstructure and most hardware was removed before its sinking. Probably the most unique aspect of this wreck is the copper sheathing on the hull. This was not generally done on subchasers and is of course very unusual for a Great Lakes wreck. Feel free to email me with any specific questions.
Jim
Contact info for the Enterprise charter boat:
847-520-4689
www.captaindales.com