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Scuba Diving Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands
Reader Reviews:
Dive Site: USS Apogon
Location: Bikini Atoll, Marshall Isles
Description: Submarine
Length:
Depth: 40 metres (130 feet) to top of wreck, 44 metres (144 feet) to deck, seabed at 50 metres (164 feet)
Visibility: 20 - 25 metres (65 - 80 feet)
Rating: *****
Apogon is a big WWII United States Navy submarine which was moored several metres down to test the effects of the underwater A-bomb detonation "Baker". She is in remarkably good condition overall, the only apparent rot of ages being the wooden deck planking. As with many sunken submarines her pressure hull is still intact. The entire wreck is covered in clouds of
minute fish making it appear at first glance to be blurred and only close inspection reveals the reason why. A torpedo tube outer hatch is open and the warhead of the torpedo within can be clearly seen. The rubber eye cups are still in situ on the main deck gun and the passive sonar detection head sticks up above the deck like a capital letter T. The torpedo loading hatch is open and it is possible to stick your head very carefully into the sub and see the interior though penetration is out unless you are seriously anorexic! Beside the conning tower there are several live shells in virtually pristine condition which were discovered very recently after the hatch to the conning tower was opened. They had been kept in good condition by virtue of being trapped in a huge air bubble for nearly 60 years. This is an air dive with accelerated deco on 74% nitrox.
Martin Frankcom, BSAC Advanced Instructor
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