What was an LCT barge used for in World War II?

LCT stands for Landing Craft Tank. These flat-bottomed vessels were designed to transport tanks, vehicles, and troops directly onto invasion beaches. The bow ramp dropped to allow rapid unloading during amphibious assaults across the Pacific and European theatres.

Is the LCT Barge suitable for new divers?

Excellent for beginners. The 20-foot depth, calm conditions, and excellent visibility create ideal circumstances for novice divers to experience wreck diving safely. Instructors frequently use this site for training.

What is the White Hole near the LCT Barge?

The White Hole is a shallow circular reef formation adjacent to the wreck, a natural bowl shape ringed with coral heads that shelter diverse reef fish. It provides colourful reef diving as a complement to the military wreck.

Nassau, The Bahamas

LCT Barge Wreck

A World War II landing craft resting in crystal-clear shallows, offering history buffs and beginners an accessible military wreck dive.

The LCT Barge brings military history to Nassau's underwater landscape, a World War II landing craft tank vessel now resting in just 20 feet of crystal-clear water. These utilitarian vessels ferried troops and vehicles to beaches across the Pacific and European theatres, and this example found its way to the Bahamas where it now serves as an accessible dive attraction.

Sitting upright on the sandy bottom, the barge offers an easy introduction to wreck diving for beginners while providing historical interest for more experienced divers. Nearby sits the White Hole, a shallow circular reef formation alive with colourful fish and corals that makes an excellent companion to the wreck exploration.

Exploring the landing craft

The LCT's flat-bottomed hull design is clearly visible, a shape purpose-built for running up onto beaches to discharge cargo. The ramp mechanism at the bow, where tanks and troops would have disembarked, provides the most distinctive structural feature. Coral and algae have colonised the steel surfaces without obscuring the vessel's military origins.

At just 20 feet depth, divers enjoy virtually unlimited bottom time to explore every section of the wreck. Natural light floods the site, creating excellent conditions for photography and eliminating the need for artificial lighting during daytime dives.

The White Hole

Adjacent to the LCT Barge lies the White Hole, a shallow circular reef crater that concentrates marine life into a concentrated viewing area. The sandy bowl is ringed with coral heads that shelter an impressive variety of reef fish, from sergeant majors and blue tangs to butterflyfish and juvenile angelfish.

The White Hole's shallow depth makes it equally suitable for snorkeling and diving. The contrast between the military wreck and the vibrant natural reef creates a varied dive that appeals to multiple interests.

Perfect for beginners

Few Nassau dive sites better suit novice divers than the LCT Barge and White Hole combination. The 20-foot maximum depth removes concerns about air consumption and nitrogen loading while still providing genuine wreck diving experience. Visibility is typically excellent, and currents are minimal in this protected location.

Dive instructors frequently use this site for training dives and discovery scuba experiences. The wreck's accessible layout and nearby reef allow skills practice in varied settings during a single dive.

Getting there

The LCT Barge wreck is located off New Providence's southwest coast, accessible by dive boat from Nassau operators. The short transit time makes it convenient for half-day trips and beginner excursions. Dive shops frequently combine this site with other shallow attractions or use it as a second dive following deeper morning dives to extend bottom time safely.

Frequently asked questions

What was an LCT barge used for in World War II?: LCT stands for Landing Craft Tank. These flat-bottomed vessels were designed to transport tanks, vehicles, and troops directly onto invasion beaches. The bow ramp dropped to allow rapid unloading during amphibious assaults across the Pacific and European theatres.
Is the LCT Barge suitable for new divers?: Excellent for beginners. The 20-foot depth, calm conditions, and excellent visibility create ideal circumstances for novice divers to experience wreck diving safely. Instructors frequently use this site for training.
What is the White Hole near the LCT Barge?: The White Hole is a shallow circular reef formation adjacent to the wreck, a natural bowl shape ringed with coral heads that shelter diverse reef fish. It provides colourful reef diving as a complement to the military wreck.

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