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Lillian Luckenback Wreck

The Lillian Luckenback is pure North Carolina wreck diving, and we absolutely love it. It’s a huge cargo ship, torpedoed in 1942, and she sits upright in about 35 metres. The sheer scale of the wreck is what hits you first. As you drop down, the superstructure slowly materialises out of the green, silty water, often shrouded in schooling baitfish. We’ve found the bow and stern sections the most dramatic, with massive cargo holds now home to fat sand tiger sharks – our favourite residents here. You’ll also spot plenty of Goliath groupers lurking in the shadows and hefty amberjacks cruising the deck. The currents can be a real factor, so pick your day carefully; a slack tide makes exploring the interior much more enjoyable. Visibility here is rarely bathwater clear, but that low-vis, atmospheric dive is part of the charm, making those shark encounters even more thrilling. This isn't a dive for beginners, but if you’re comfortable with depth and current, the Luckenback delivers a genuine piece of history, reclaimed by the ocean.