wreck

Log This Dive

Frederick W. Day Wreck, Offshore Charleston, SC

The Frederick W. Day sits offshore from Charleston, a wooden schooner that met its end back in 1894. For a wreck that’s been down so long, she’s surprisingly intact in places, offering a real sense of stepping back into maritime history. We love picking out the lines of the hull and the deck planking, still visible amidst the growth, though time and tide have taken their toll. This isn’t a huge wreck, but it’s perfect for a relaxed exploration. At 20m, it’s an easy dive, even for newer divers, with usually mild currents. Our favourite spots are around the stern, where loggerhead turtles often cruise by, unbothered by divers. Look closely into the nooks and crannies – you’ll find sheepshead and spadefish hanging around, and sometimes a grumpy gag grouper peeking out from under a broken beam. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the water, illuminating the wreck’s timbers and the sandy seabed beyond. It’s a gentle, atmospheric dive that really lets you connect with a piece of the past.