King
Tugboat · United States · Lost 1984 · Bermuda
A 1941 Navy tug donated for scuttling in 1984, becoming Bermuda's first deliberately sunk dive wreck, whose location was then lost for years.
The Vessel and Her Loss
Built in 1941 in South Carolina as a Navy tug, the King was later used in Bermuda for diving and treasure-salvage work. Donated in 1984 by owner Gary Lamb, she became the first vessel deliberately scuttled in Bermuda to create an artificial reef and dive site. Curiously, the exact coordinates of the sinking were lost, and the wreck's location remained a mystery for almost ten years before divers relocated her.
Vessel
- 1941
- Not established
- South Carolina, United States
- Steel
- 65 ft
- 12.5 ft
- Not established
- Diesel, single screw
- Gary Lamb (private owner at time of donation)
Loss
- January 1, 1984
- Intentional sinking
- About half a mile off Bermuda's South Shore
- Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda South Shore
- Not established
- Not established
- 0
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 18 ft
- Intact, listing about 45 degrees to starboard, penetrable pilot house, galley and engine room.
- Not established
- 1990s
- Not established
Position
- 32.24° N 64.83° W
- Approximate position
- South Shore, Bermuda
Position as published by PADI dive-site listing for the King.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (75/100)
The precise date of scuttling and the circumstances of the loss of her original coordinates are not established beyond general accounts.
Bermuda 100 Project, UC San Diego
Build history, donation, scuttling, wreck condition.
Coordinates, depth.
