 Printer-Friendly | Back  On November 14, 1980, in an unusually strong northeast “Santa Ana” wind, the 54-foot sailboat SueJac slipped anchor headed toward the rocks off Casino Point on Catalina Island on the outer boundary of Avalon Bay. Knowing the loss of the vessel was inevitable, the crew hastily abandoned ship. Slamming into the boulders, holes were punched into the boat’s hull. The fatal blow was a gaping breach to her port side. She sank quickly, stern 60 feet down with the bow in 90 feet. The SueJac was on her way to becoming a dive site.Although the wreck originally was just outside the boundaries of the Avalon Underwater Park, diving legend Jon Hardy was contracted by the City of Avalon to move the boundaries of the park (cordoned off by ropes and a buoys) to include the wreck. With the installation of the stairs leading to the water in 1999, the SueJac became one of the most accessible wrecks in California (the only others more accessible are also in the park). Although the Avalon Underwater Park sees thousands of divers each year, sometimes several hundred on busy weekends, surprisingly few head over to the wreck. It is one part of the park you may have all to yourself.  Finding the wreck is easy. From the stairs swim toward the furthest outer buoy to the east (to the right as you face the sea from the stairs). The wreck is just inside of that buoy. One tactic is to head toward the buoy and drop down about half way there and follow along the bottom’s 70-foot profile east. You will run right into it. Another path is to head all the way to the buoy, drop down its chain and head to the west, and it will be very close by. Again, you’ll run right into it.The years have been hard on the SueJac, but most of the hull is still relatively intact. The wood deck and superstructure have long since rotted away, but there is a fair amount of debris within the hull. She lies on her starboard side, bow down. There are two large holes in her hull both big enough to swim through. While it is enough of a dive to simply explore the wreck, take some time to peruse the marine life on and around the hulk. Nudibranchs are quite common, especially the brightly colored Spanish shawl. Other varieties include Hilton’s Aeolid and Festive Tritonid. The wreck is surrounded by rocky reefs and thick kelp, and the typical kelp forest creatures are present but in greater numbers. This is, after all, part of a marine preserve. Especially fun are the large male sheephead that are quite comfortable with divers. Rub or bang rocks together to get them to come in close. Giant black sea bass have been known to also cruise the area. A moray has been known to take up residence under the bow and, finally, look through the debris for a lobster here and there. Save some air after your exploration of the wreck to head back to the stairs underwater. You’ll enjoy marvelous reefs and kelp forests on the way back. Take the day, or better yet a whole weekend to explore the wonderful Avalon Underwater Park. There are many more wrecks and underwater experiences to be enjoyed. Dive Spot At A Glance Location: Wreck is located just inside the eastern buoy of Avalon Underwater Park. Access: Stairs make for easy entry although they are often slippery. It is approximately a 100 yard swim through usually calm waters. Boats must stay clear of park boundary Skill Level: All. Depths: 60 to 90 feet. Visibility: Good, averages 40 feet, often better. Photography: Wide angle is good at the wreck and in the kelp forest. Macro is good for nudibranchs, lobster, eels and small fish. Hunting: Nothing may be taken with the park. Hazards: Currents can sometimes come up. Boat traffic is a problem just outside the park boundaries. Facilities: Air fill and gear rental van operated by Catalina Diver’s Supply (800-353-0330, www.catalinadiverssupply.com). Restrooms are located on the south side of Casino building. Lockers are onsite. Food and accommodations are in town.  Kim Sheckler is executive editor of California Diving News, Co-author of Southern California's Best Beach Dives and executive director of SCUBA Show 2007, June 2-3 at the Long Beach Convention Center. © Copyright 2007, all rights reserve, by Saint Brendan Corporation, P.O. Box 11231, Torrance CA 90510, mail@cadivingnews.com. No part of this may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system/website, or transmitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of the publisher. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The contents of this publication/website are opinions of the individual writers. The publishers of California Diving News and its contributors assume no responsibility for any mishap claimed to be a result of use of this material. Diving is an adventure sport and with it comes inherent risks. Improper use of diving equipment or improper diving techniques may result in serious injury or, in extreme circumstances, death. Readers are admonished to use their own best judgement in each individual situation. |
