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Stolt Dagali
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East Coast Diving | Shipwreck Corner | Shipwreck Gallery
When most people awoke on November 26, 1964, their thoughts were on
the turkey dinners they would be enjoying later that day.
Undoubtedly, many were preparing for family gatherings, good food
and a break from work. It was Thanksgiving, and they were unaware of
the dramatic events that had occurred at sea during the night.
At 2 a.m., the Norwegian tanker Stolt Dagali, en route from
Philadelphia to Newark, New Jersey with a cargo of molasses,
vegetable oil and solvents, encountered a dense fog bank as she
cruised north along the New Jersey coast. At the same time, the
Israeli luxury liner Shalom began her cruise south from New York
harbor to the Caribbean. The Shalom was carrying more than 1,000
people, including passengers and crew. As the Shalom passed the
Ambrose Lightship at the entrance of New York Harbor, the night was
clear. But shortly after 2 a.m., the Shalom encountered the fog as
well.
Soon after, the Shalom’s radar picked up another ship less than two
miles off her starboard bow. When the Stolt’s red running lights
became visible, it was obvious that the two ships were at right
angles to each other. The Shalom attempted to turn but could not
avoid the collision. The Shalom hit the Stolt Dagali on the port
side just behind the bridge. The Shalom’s momentum and thrust from
her 25,000 horsepower steam turbines allowed the luxury liner to
completely shear the tanker in two. The rear section of the Stolt
Dagali sank within minutes while the front section remained afloat.
The massive force of the collision pitched many crew members aboard
the Stolt into the bitter cold water and the 55 degree water soon
claimed the lives of 19 men.
At 2:23 a.m., an S.O.S. was received by the Coast Guard station in
Moriches, Long Island. Within minutes, helicopters, fixed wing
aircraft and Coast Guard Cutters were dispatched. However, because
of the heavy seas, driving rain and dense fog, the first helicopter
was not able to make contact with the vessels until 4 a.m.
The captain of the Stolt, Kristian Bendikson, and ten of his men
were still aboard the Stolt using the bow section as a safe haven.
The Navy and Coast Guard were able to rescue these eleven men and
fourteen others from the rough seas. The Shalom, while suffering a
40 foot gash in her bow, was crippled but remained afloat. She was
able to make her way back to the Canal Street Pier in New York City
by 3:10 p.m., with only one injury to a passenger. The bow section
of the Stolt was subsequently towed back to port. The Army Corps of
Engineers originally refused entry to the Stolt because of their
fears that she would sink and clog the shipping channels.
Eventually, the Stolt was towed to Gravesend Bay where she was
partially salvaged.
Today, the stern section of the Stolt Dagali lies in 130 feet of
water 15 miles off the New Jersey coast, northeast of Barnaget inlet
and Southeast of Manasquan Inlet. This wreck is one of the most
popular of the countless shipwrecks that exist off the coast of New
Jersey and Long Island and during the wreck diving season dive boats
from these areas frequently run trips to this location. The wreckage
rises to within 65 feet of the surface and provides opportunities
for almost any level of diver. The Stolt is washed in the clear,
warm waters of the Gulf Stream and generally has excellent
visibility. Covered with cold water anemones and populated with
large schools of fish, the Stolt is a excellent wreck for the diver
interested in observing marine life. Because of its location, larger
pelagic animals are often seen at this sight, including Mola Mola,
Leatherback Turtles, Whales and Sharks.
The Stolt is also a picturesque wreck for underwater photographers.
Aside from the damage caused by the collision, the wreck is largely
intact. Less than 200 feet long, it can be circumnavigated easily
and it provides many opportunities for wide angle photography.
Photographs of its corridors, ladders and portholes are common.
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Ship Specifications |
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| Date Sunk: Date Commissioned: Length: Beam: Draft: Displacement: Type of vessel: Hull Construction: Depth of Water: Condition: Location: Skill Level: Loran C Position: Latitude/Longitude: Notes: |
November 26, 1964 583 feet < 200 feet (stern section) 19,150 gross tons Tanker Steel 130 feet 140' section of the stern remains intact 18 Miles SE Manasquan Inlet NJ Advanced 26787.6 - 43484.3 Bow section was salvaged |
While most of the divers who visit the Stolt do not venture inside, penetration is possible and many interesting artifacts have been recovered. However, divers who penetrate inside must be wary of the depths. While the sand outside lies in 130 feet of water, it is possible to reach 140 feet inside the wreck. As with all wreck diving, penetration into any wreck requires special training and equipment and should not be attempted unless the diver is properly trained and equipped.
The Stolt Dagali is New York/New jersey wreck diving at its best. With great visibility, interesting marine life, varying depths and beautifully intact wreckage, the Stolt will be a popular dive destination for years to come.
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DAN
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East Coast Diving | Shipwreck Corner | Shipwreck Gallery
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