USS Algol
Attack Cargo Ship · United States · Lost 1991 · The New Jersey Coast
A World War II and Korean War attack cargo ship, decommissioned after nearly three decades of Navy service, was sunk to become New Jersey's largest artificial reef wreck.
The Vessel and Her Loss
USS Algol, launched in 1943 as the merchant ship James Barnes and converted to a Navy attack cargo ship, served in the Pacific in World War II and later in the Korean War, earning seven battle stars. After decommissioning, she was sunk in 1991 by the New Jersey Artificial Reef Program off Manasquan, where she remains the largest intact wreck in the state's reef system.
Vessel
- 1943
- AKA-54 / LKA-54
- Moore Dry Dock Company
- Oakland, California
- Steel
- 459 ft
- 63 ft
- 13910
- Steam turbine, single screw
- United States Navy
Loss
- November 22, 1991
- Intentional sinking
- Shark River Artificial Reef, off Manasquan, New Jersey
- Atlantic Ocean
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 70-145
- Intact and upright, the largest vessel in the New Jersey Artificial Reef Program
- Not established
- Not established
- New Jersey Artificial Reef Program
Position
- 40.109° N 73.691° W
- Surveyed position
- Manasquan, New Jersey
Position from New Jersey Artificial Reef Program GPS coordinates.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Well documented (92/100)
Service history and specifications.
Build details and reef transfer date.
