AR-372 - 10 Railroad boxcars

Protected Area

Masonboro Island

Why dive here

With 42+ marine species recorded in the area - including sea turtles - AR-372 - 10 Railroad boxcars offers some of North Carolina's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeSea Turtles · 42+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 15-30m

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.

Typical AR-372 - 10 Railroad boxcars Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

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

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

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AR-372 - 10 Railroad boxcars Wreck History

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.