AR-368 - 241 barge LC-16

Protected Area

Lea Island

Why dive here

With 42+ marine species recorded in the area - including sea turtles - AR-368 - 241 barge LC-16 offers some of North Carolina's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeSea Turtles · 42+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive

The AR-368, also known as the 241 barge or LC-16, is one of those North Carolina wrecks we just keep coming back to. We love it because it’s not some grand warship, but a working vessel that met its end, and that character still shines through. As you descend, the shape emerges from the green-blue, often with schools of baitfish shimmering around the superstructure, darting in and out of the holds. This barge offers some excellent penetration for appropriately trained divers, with open hatches leading into dark, silty interiors that always feel a bit like exploring an abandoned building. Look closely in the shadowed corners for oyster toadfish or the occasional sleepy nurse shark tucked away. The exterior is thoroughly encrusted with mussels and barnacles, providing homes for blennies and small crabs, and we often see spiny lobsters peeking out from under plates of steel. It’s a site that rewards slower diving, letting you really soak in the atmosphere of a working boat now repurposed as a thriving artificial reef.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

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AR-368 - 241 barge LC-16 Wreck History

Year Sunk

1988

Vessel Type

barge

Cause

scuttled

The LC-16 is a 241-foot deck barge that serves as a major habitat structure on the AR-368 artificial reef. Sunk in 1988, this simple, utilitarian vessel has transformed into a bustling underwater metropolis. Sitting at a depth of around 120 feet, the barge's large, flat deck and open interior spaces create a perfect substrate for coral and sponge growth and provide ample shelter for a vast array of fish. Divers will find the wreck easy to navigate due to its straightforward shape. It's an excellent place to encounter large schools of baitfish, which in turn attract predators like amberjack and barracuda. The barge is a prime example of how even the most basic structures can become vibrant and critical marine habitats, offering a fantastic dive that is rich with life.