HMCS Yukon
Destroyer · Canada · Lost 2000 · Southern California & Catalina
A retired Canadian destroyer, deliberately sunk off San Diego in 2000, now anchors the Wreck Alley artificial reef.
The Vessel and Her Loss
HMCS Yukon served the Royal Canadian Navy from 1963 until decommissioning in the 1990s. Purchased by the San Diego Oceans Foundation for reefing, she was being prepared for a controlled sinking in July 2000 when she flooded and sank ahead of schedule, coming to rest on her port side. The 366-foot destroyer is now the largest vessel intentionally sunk off the California coast as an artificial reef.
Vessel
- 1963
- Pennant DDE 263
- Burrard Dry Dock
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Steel
- 366 ft
- 42 ft
- Not established
- Steam turbine, twin screw
- Royal Canadian Navy; later San Diego Oceans Foundation
Loss
- July 14, 2000
- Intentional sinking
- About 1.85 miles off Mission Beach, San Diego, California
- Pacific Ocean
- Not established
- Not established
- 0
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 65-105
- Largely intact, lying on port side
- On port side
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- 32.68° N 117.29° W
- Approximate position
- Mission Beach, San Diego, California
Position approximate to published Wreck Alley location off Mission Beach.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (82/100)
Sinking date, depth, orientation, artificial reef purpose.
Waterhorse Charters / Wreck Alley guide
Location and Wreck Alley context.
