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The Caraquet
 Bermuda
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Max Depth: 36-40ft/11-12m
Average Viz: 41-50ft/12-15m
Entry Type: Boat
Bottom Composition: Sand
Aquatic Life: Plenty To See
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The Caraquet is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Bermuda. The maximum depth is 36-40ft/11-12m. The average visibility is 41-50ft/12-15m.
1923 - British Mail Steamship
The Caraquet was a combination British mail packet and passenger steamer of 200 feet. She cruised the Atlantic at the turn of the last century. Originally built in Belfast, Northern Ireland, she was launched in 1894 and was originally named The Guelph, her name changed to The Caraquet, when the "Royal Mail Steam Packet Company" acquired her in 1913. Her most often traveled route was Nova Scotia to Bermuda to The West Indies and on to South America.
In the summer of 1923, the steamer was coming into Bermuda from St. John, Nova Scotia under the command of Captain Fernandez when she crashed into a reef. Rough sea’s, strong currents and poor visibility had pushed her off course and made it difficult to obtain land sightings. All hands survived, her cargo was later salvaged.
The Marine Board of Inquiry investigating the incident determined that an abnormally strong current had pushed The Caraquet further than Captain Fernandaz had calculated. He was exonerated of any blame.
Her wreckage lies in 40 feet of water marked by enormous steam boilers, a large anchor, winches and deck machinery.
Divemaster Notes
The wreck of The Caraquet, lies in about 30 to 45 feet of water and has become significantly broken up by ocean swells. She is now spread out over a large area. Located on the outer side of the main reef line at one of the northern most points. Seventy years of massive ocean stress has taken it’s toll.
Most of the recreational divers in Bermuda wear artifacts from The Caraquet on almost every dive? Among the wreckage, masses of lead pipe have been recovered. The lead has been melted down and moulded into the weights now worn by divers.
The main focal point of the wreck is her massive anchor lying on one side with a fluke pointing straight up. Keep an eye out for her boilers, propellers, winches and capstans. Keeping to the main wreckage is the best advice to ease navigation. Venturing too far from the wreckage can lead to deeper waters and problematic currents. Remember the impact the currents had on a certain Captain Fernandez!!!
REMEMBER.... THE REEF IS FRAGILE! PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH OR TREAD ON LIVING CORAL.