Tarpon

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Fast Facts:

Avg Rating:

Avg Depth: 110 ft. / 34m

Max Depth: 140 ft. / 43m

Skill Level: Advanced

Features:

• Artificial Reef

• Wreck Site

The U.S.S. Tarpon is an American submarine that served in the Pacific during World War II and received seven battle starts for service. After being placed out of service in 1956, the Tarpon sank off Cape Hatteras in 1957. It's not clear whether the ship was sunk as target practice or she sank in bad weather. Local legend is that the Tarpon was in tow from New Orleans to a scrap yard in Pennsylvania. Rough seas from a sudden squall caused the towing vessel to take on water. The Tarpon was cut free and allowed to
sink.

The Tarpon is in 110-140 feet over 20 miles offshore. The 298-foot sub is mostly upright with a slight tilt. The majority of the sub is intact except for a section of the bow. Several holes allow for penetration for the trained wreck diver. The area usually has good visibility and a slow current. The Tarpon wreck is known as a shark-mating area. Many divers find handfuls of fresh, white shark teeth in the sand and on the wreck. Groups of ten or more sand tiger sharks have been spotted swimming slowly near the wreck. Other marine life frequently spotted include moray eels, stingrays, and barracudas.