Normannia Wreck - North Carolina

The Normannia is one of those wrecks we’re always happy to return to, especially when the conditions are good. It’s a freighter that went down in 1913, and it’s broken up quite a bit over the years. You'll find sections of hull plating spread across a wide area of sand, along with boilers and bits of machinery. It’s not one of those imposing, intact wrecks, but that’s precisely why we love it. What makes the Normannia special is the way the ocean has completely reclaimed it. Every piece of metal is encrusted with corals, anemones, and sponges. You’ll see schools of baitfish swirling around the taller structures, sometimes so thick they turn the water silver. We’ve had incredible encounters here with large sand tiger sharks cruising slowly over the wreckage – sometimes half a dozen on a single dive. Keep an eye out for triggerfish too, especially in the nooks and crannies. We’d suggest this dive for experienced wreck divers who appreciate the subtler beauty of a well-colonised site, rather than those seeking big penetration opportunities. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, when the sun penetrates, the sight of those sharks gliding through the light is truly something.

Location

North Carolina, United States, North America

Coordinates

33.859200, -77.156220

Type

wreck