HMS Swift - New England

The HMS Swift, lost in 1777, is more than just another New England wreck; it’s a portal back to the American Revolution. We love it because you’re not just exploring a sunken ship, you’re touching history. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, often seeing massive schools of Atlantic chub mackerel swirling around the mast steps. The stern section is our favourite, with its timber frames creating spooky corridors where grey snapper lurk. Keep an eye out for banded drum tucked into crevices, their stripes a sharp contrast against the dark wood. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes twenty metres, sometimes five, but it always adds to the mystique. When it’s clear, sunlight slices through the water, illuminating the hull's ghostly outline. We’ve even seen blue-spotted cornetfish flitting between the ribs. This is a dive for those who appreciate maritime history as much as marine life, offering a blend of quiet exploration and unexpected encounters. Go on a slack tide, otherwise the current can make navigating the timbers a real workout.

Location

New England, United States, North America

Coordinates

39.578000, -74.300000

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge