wreck

Log This Dive

AR-368 - 10 Railroad boxcars

We’ve got a soft spot for the AR-368 boxcars, a site that’s often overlooked in favor of North Carolina’s bigger wrecks. Ten hulking railroad cars, sunk deliberately as part of an artificial reef project, now sit upright in about 30 meters of water. There’s a beautiful desolation to them, like a ghost train at the bottom of the ocean. The boxcars are surprisingly intact, offering plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into. We particularly love the way light filters through the missing roofs, illuminating schools of baitfish that swirl inside. You’ll often find large amberjacks circling the entire structure, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, a sand tiger shark or two cruises by, using the boxcars as a resting spot. It’s a great dive for those who appreciate the slower pace of wreck exploration and don't mind a bit of a current, which can sometimes be strong out here. Our top tip: aim for slack tide if you want to explore the interiors comfortably. Bring a good light; the deeper sections can get quite dim, enhancing that eerie, cavernous feel we enjoy so much.