U-1105 - North Carolina

The U-1105, known as the "Black Panther" U-boat, isn't just a wreck; it's a piece of history that’s become a vibrant artificial reef. We love it because you’re diving on a rare type XIIC German submarine, scuttled after WWII. Descending into the murky, often green, waters off North Carolina, you start to make out the distinct lines of the hull, usually around 20-25 metres. The conning tower is a real focal point, heavily encrusted with barnacles and hydroids, providing shelter for striped bass and curious schools of silversides that flicker in the limited light. Inside, or rather, where the interior used to be, you’ll find American eels snaking through collapsed bulkheads and juvenile cowfish darting amongst the twisted metal. We always look for the resident gannets overhead before the dive, a good sign of what’s below. Visibility here can swing wildly, from a pea-souper to 15 metres on a good day, so a strong torch is essential to pick out the details of the torpedo tubes or the pressure hull’s intact sections. It's a dive that rewards slow exploration and a keen eye for history, perfect for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a challenging but historically rich experience.

Location

North Carolina, United States, North America

Coordinates

38.135216, -76.555520

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: St. Clements Island