BUAR classifies certain shipwrecks and other underwater archaeological resources as "Exempted Sites" for a variety of reasons, including (but not limited to): commonly known location, previous salvage, recreational value, educational value, or lack of significant archaeological or historical value. Recreational diving activities on these sites, including casual artifact collection, do not require a BUAR permit. However, any major disruption of the site is prohibited. The intent of creating an exempted shipwreck site is to preserve such sites for the continued enjoyment of the recreational diving community, who is encouraged to protect these sites for the continued enjoyment of all.
Note: All dives are conducted at your own risk. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts accepts no responsibility for loss of any kind, including personal injury or property damage. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts assumes no liability for inaccuracies in dive information contained in these pages including site locations and dive conditions.
Vessel Details
Description: seaplane wrecking derrick, steel.
Dimensions: length 132.6 ft., width 30 ft., depth 12.4 ft.
Propulsion: diesel.
Cargo: salvage gear.
The Shipwreck
Date Sunk: December 1957.
Location: Martha's Vineyard, North of Nomansland Island.
Coordinates: latitude 41° 16' 24" N; longitude 70° 49' 08" W.
Dive Site Conditions
Depth in feet: maximum 30.
Visibility in feet: average.
In 1965, Brad Luther reported that this vessel was situated with its keel up.
Historical Background
Official number: Country: U.S.A.
Other Comments: Mary Ann Class Navy wrecking derrick.
The YSD designation of this class of floating crane originally applied to a self-propelled seaplane recovery vessel used at Naval air stations. YSD-11, 20, 22, and 23, constructed at the Charlestown Navy Shipyard were of this class. Later the classification was applied to non-self-propelled seaplane wrecking derricks.
Sources
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships; Vol. IV; Navy Dept., 1969
Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks; Berman, 1972
The Broadside, Boston National Historical Park; Spring 1995
The Vanishing Fleet; Luther, 1965