This dive site is the Frederick W. Day Wreck, a four-masted wooden-hulled schooner that met its fate on September 17, 1914, while bound from New York to Wilmington, NC, carrying a cargo of cement bags. Located approximately 10 miles offshore from Charleston Harbor, the wreck rests at a maximum depth of 21 meters, boasting about 25 feet (7.6 meters) of relief from the seabed. Divers can explore the remnants of this historical vessel, navigating around the wooden structure now heavily encrusted and serving as an artificial reef.
The Frederick W. Day Wreck teems with marine life typical of artificial reefs in the Atlantic. Common sightings include various species of reef fish such as snapper and grouper, barracudas patrolling the structure, and sometimes larger pelagic species. Invertebrates like crabs and lobsters can be found within the crevices of the wreck, while anemones and soft corals have colonized its surfaces, adding vibrant colors to the underwater landscape.
The best time to visit this dive site is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn, when water temperatures are more comfortable and sea conditions are generally calmer, offering better visibility. Divers should be prepared for variable currents, which are common for offshore sites. While the maximum depth of 21 meters makes it accessible to Open Water certified divers, experience with wreck diving and boat entries/exits is beneficial for a more enjoyable and safe exploration.
