Wreck Facts

Beth Dee Bob:
 The winter of 1999 was particularly hard on the fishing vessels of New Jersey. It seemed every time you turned on the news or picked up the paper there was a story of another clam boat or dredger that went down in the temperamental waters of the Atlantic. The Beth Dee Bob and her crew were featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer in a series tilted "Lost at Sea." It gave a detailed look at the lives and last minutes of the Captain and crew of this vessel. To have read the articles and dove the wreck gave harsh perspective to the tragedy that took place. You can visit our website www.diverservices.com/dvsnews1.htm and click on the story to find out more about the tragedy. The Beth Dee Bob was an 84-foot clam dredger out of Manasquan, New Jersey. She left the clam dock in the early hours of January 8, 1999, headed over the mud hole to tip of Long Island. Reports of bad weather changed the plan and the men started their run about 38 miles from the coast. They finished the run and heavily laden with clams they began there return to the dock. On January 9.1999 approximately 14 miles from home, in rough seas, the captain radioed a friend and reported he was taking on water, 10 minutes later they were gone. Today the wreck of the Beth Dee Bob lies upright in 115 feet of water 14 miles from the coast. The area around the wreck is littered with clam cages and debris and has made a good haven for lobsters. The wreck itself is intact and marine growth has started to overtake her. Much of what was on her when she sank remains, lying where it fell in silent testimony to those who died with her. It is a good dive, easy to navigate and is picturesque in her appearance.

Capt Kevin Hawke www.diverservices.com/