AR-372 - 10 Railroad boxcars - North Carolina

We've spent a fair bit of time on North Carolina's wreck alley, and the AR-372, or the "Boxcars" as everyone calls it, is a standout for us. It’s not about finding intact relics here; it’s about the sheer scale of the disruption and how life adapts. Ten freight cars, scattered and piled, make for some seriously interesting topography. We love dropping down and seeing the way the metal has buckled and twisted, creating all these nooks and crannies. You’ll find big schools of baitfish shimmering around the deeper sections, and if you peek into the shadows, you often spot a grumpy-looking gag grouper or a curious loggerhead turtle cruising past. Our favourite part is navigating through the gaps between the overturned cars; it feels like exploring a submerged industrial maze. It's a great dive for those who appreciate seeing nature reclaim man-made structures and prefer a more explorative, less current-driven wreck experience. Just keep an eye on your depth and bottom time, as it's easy to get absorbed in the twists and turns.

Location
North Carolina, United States, North America
Coordinates
34.104000, -77.747000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15-30m

Wreck History - AR-372 - 10 Railroad boxcars

Year Sunk
1986
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
scuttled

Part of North Carolina's extensive artificial reef system, this site isn't a single shipwreck but a collection of 10 railroad boxcars intentionally sunk to create a marine habitat. They were placed in 1986 as part of the AR-372 reef, also known as the John D. Gill Reef, which is centered around the historical wreck of a WWII tanker. The boxcars were cleaned and prepared before being sent to the seafloor, providing an instant structure on the otherwise flat, sandy bottom.

For divers, these boxcars offer a unique underwater playground. Scattered across the seabed at a depth of about 65 feet, they create a complex environment of swim-throughs and overhangs. The structures are now heavily encrusted with corals and sponges, attracting a dense population of marine life. Divers can expect to see large schools of spadefish, amberjack, and barracuda. During the late summer months, the site is a popular gathering spot for sand tiger sharks, offering a thrilling and unforgettable encounter.

Marine Protected Area: Masonboro Island

Nearby Dive Sites in North Carolina

Nearest Dive Centres to AR-372 - 10 Railroad boxcars

Marine Life in North Carolina

Home to 42 recorded species including 38 reef fish, 2 clams & mussels, 2 other.

Notable Species