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Dive Review of Atlantis Charters in
The Continental USA/Block Island, U-853

Atlantis Charters, Jul, 2010,

by B. Manning, DE, US ( 2 reports). Report 5635.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 3 stars Food N/A
Service and Attitude 3 stars Environmental Sensitivity 3 stars
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 4 stars
Beginners 1 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments Chartered the Atlantis to dive the U-853 off of Block Island, RI. Boat is moored in New London, CT so ride out is a little under 2 hours total. Kudos to the Captain for still running the charter even though there were only three of us diving (we had driven up from DE night before). Boat appears to be a 6-pack normally. Very spacious with only 3 divers - 6 would still be fine. Inside cabin comfortable for ride out and back - couch and bunks available if you want to sleep. No place to really sit on the deck or topside however. Bring your own food and water. Boat is a converted fishing boat with a decent platform and fins-on ladder.

The U-853 is an advanced dive due to the depth, cold and poor viz. However, it is an amazing wreck full of history (and bones). To fully appreciate the wreck (and know what you are looking at while underwater) do your research on the Type IX u-boat before. There are numerous youtube videos and articles on diving the boat on the internet. Google the U-505 too (on display in Chicago).

A big tank is recommended - I dove a steel 120 w/ NITROX w/ a pony and 30 stage for added safety. Most divers will go into deco before running low on gas - especially on a second dive. 10 foot Hang-line from boat for any deco, can also use mooring/anchor line for deeper stops. A drysuit is best but a 7 or 8mm wet with extra layers will work too.

Penetration of the wreck via the blast holes is easy (one diver at a time), however, deeper pentration using the interior hatches is harder and more dangerous, but not impossible. All topside hatches are removed (or were blown off) so you can peer into the interior compartments this way also. A diver with a single or small doubles will fit through the interior hatches - but not with a stage or any gear clipped to a belt or BCD. Staying on the exterior of the boat still provides a lot to look at. A strong light (and backup) is mandatory!

A very cool dive and I would certainly recommend it!
Websites Atlantis Charters   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving NJ, MD, NC, FL, Aruba, Grand Cayman
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather dry Seas calm, choppy, no currents
Water Temp 48-69°F / 9-21°C Wetsuit Thickness 7
Water Visibility 8-15 Ft/ 2-5 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Nothing specific - private charter so mate asked us how long our dives would be.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 1 stars Tropical Fish 1 stars
Small Critters 2 stars Large Fish N/A
Large Pelagics N/A

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 2 stars Boat Facilities 2 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 1 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Small camera rinse bucket provided.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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