USS Adirondack Wreck

The cannons on the reef

The USS Adirondack's most dramatic feature is her pair of thirteen-foot naval cannons, now lying amid the coral where they fell when the ship broke apart. These Dahlgren smoothbore guns were the standard armament of Civil War blockade ships, capable of firing explosive shells at Confederate vessels and shore positions.

The cannons have become encrusted with coral and sponges over more than a century and a half, but their distinctive shape remains unmistakable. They serve as the centrepiece of the dive, often with reef fish sheltering in their shadow.

Engine remains and debris field

Scattered across the reef are the Adirondack's steam engine components, including her boilers and various iron fittings that have survived where the wooden hull disintegrated. The debris field covers a considerable area, rewarding divers who take time to explore beyond the obvious features.

The shallow depth and good visibility make it easy to survey the entire wreck site on a single dive. Fragments of the vessel's structure appear throughout the coral, some so overgrown they are only recognisable on close inspection.

Marine life habitat

The wreckage has created ideal habitat for a variety of marine species. Eagle rays are particularly common, gliding gracefully over the debris field or resting on the sand nearby. Green sea turtles browse on the algae-covered surfaces, while moray eels occupy the numerous holes and crevices.

Schools of reef fish including grunts, snapper, and blue tangs add movement and colour to the historic scene. Porpoises are occasionally spotted in the area, and divers have reported seahorses hiding among the wreckage.

Getting there

The USS Adirondack wreck lies a few miles south of Man-O-War Cay and is typically dived as a boat excursion from Marsh Harbour through operators like Dive Abaco. The site is also accessible to sailing charters and private boaters with GPS coordinates. Calm conditions are typical in the protected Sea of Abaco.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see both cannons on one dive?

Yes. The debris field is compact enough that both cannons and the engine remains can be explored on a single dive, with plenty of bottom time given the shallow depth.

Is the USS Adirondack suitable for snorkelling?

The depth of thirty-five to fifty feet is too deep for most snorkellers, though the clearest sections may be visible from the surface. Scuba diving is recommended for full exploration.

What sank the USS Adirondack?

The gunboat ran aground on a reef off Man-O-War Cay while on patrol in August 1862. The ship could not be freed and was abandoned, though her crew was rescued.