Diving Directory: Shipwrecks Along the North Carolina Coast

North Carolina’s Graveyard of the Atlantic is a 300-mile stretch of coastline off the Outer Banks. The area is notorious for its turbulent waters and shifting sandbars. More than 5,000 ships have met their fate over the centuries, leaving behind a vast underwater museum of maritime history.

North Carolina's coastline holds a rich maritime history, dotted with countless shipwrecks that have become intriguing dive sites for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike. Here are a few to check out from private boat dock rentals. 

Aeolus 

The Aeolus was sunk in 1988 as part of North Carolina’s artificial reef program. It was initially built in 1945 as an attack cargo ship, later becoming a cable repair ship in 1955. Lying in about 110 feet of water, it has split into three portions over the years. It’s an excellent wreck diving spot to swim among sand tiger sharks.

Proteus 

Sunk in 1918 after a collision, the Proteus was a luxury passenger liner. Despite efforts to salvage the Proteus, it ultimately succumbed to the relentless power of the sea, breaking apart and scattering its remains across the ocean floor. It’s in about 120 feet of water. Over the years, the wreck has become an intriguing site for divers and maritime archaeologists to visit from private boat lifts for rent. You may see sand tiger sharks. 

Photo: Wikimedia/shankar/CC by SA 2.0

Normania

The Normania, a German cargo ship, met its fate in 1894 when it ran aground during a fierce storm. Resting now in the shallow waters off the Outer Banks, the wreck serves as a time capsule, offering glimpses into the past. Today, the Normania is a popular site for divers and historians to visit from private boat slip rentals. Explorers brave the ocean depths to uncover remnants such as rusty machinery and ceramic artifacts. The shipwreck's skeletal remains attract marine life, creating a vibrant ecosystem teeming with colorful fish and swaying sea plants.

USS Huron

The USS Huron is a Civil War-era steamer that sank off the coast of Cape Hatteras in 1877. It lies about 250 yards from the beach, making it convenient to visit from private boat docks for rent. Its remains are scattered across the ocean floor, providing a haunting reminder of the perils faced by sailors in days gone by.  

USS Indra

Near the town of Morehead City, the wreck of the USS Indra sits in about 100 feet of water. The World War II-era freighter was sunk by a German U-boat in 1942. The Indra is now home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful corals, sponges and schools of fish. It’s a thrilling spot to visit from marinas or private boat lifts for rent. 

U-352 Submarine 

For those seeking a more challenging dive, the wreck of the U-352 submarine offers a thrilling opportunity to explore a piece of naval history. Sunk by depth charges from a Coast Guard cutter in 1942, the U-352 now rests in about 110 feet of water off the coast of Beaufort, just south of Cape Hatteras. The hull is encrusted with marine growth and its interior is filled with fish. 

Head to some of these sites the next time you’re feeling adventurous. Let us know your favorites!