The Lartington

This dive site presents the wreck of The Lartington, a historic tramp steamer built in 1875 in Sunderland, England. This vessel was constructed by Short Brothers and initially used both sail and steam propulsion. Originally designed to transport cargo across oceans, including a substantial load of 4,000 bales of cotton, it embarked on a journey from Savannah, Georgia, destined for Russia. However, disaster struck four days into its voyage when the ship collided with a Bermuda reef near Western Blue Cut. A massive wave – reportedly exceeding 100 feet in height – caused severe hull damage and initiated a significant leak. Despite battling strong currents and rough seas, Captain George Dixon made the difficult decision to navigate towards Bermuda rather than risk sinking. The wreck now offers an intriguing dive experience, presenting a challenging environment with potential for strong currents and limited visibility due to silt and debris. It’s a poignant reminder of maritime history and a dramatic underwater site.