The F. W. Abrams

Built in 1920, the tanker F.W. Abrams was sank as the result of straying into an American mine field, 15 miles south of Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, during June, 1942. All 36 of the crew survived the sinking.

Today, the F.W. Abrams sits on a soft sand bottom in 90 FT of water. The wreck is separated into two sections, bow and stern. Underwater visibility can range from 40 to more than 70 FT with an average of 50 FT. Summertime bottom temperatures run between 65 and 80 degrees, depending on Gulf Stream conditions.

Mostly broken up, the 467 FT long tanker is separated by a 50 FT gap between the bow and stern sections. The stern section boilers are impressive and a section of the engine provides the most relief. Large fish, rays and Sand Tiger Sharks are common to this wreck. Often used as a second dive after returning from offshore, the F.W. Abrams is a favorite of both experienced and new wreck divers.

Wreck Diving Adventures uses this wreck for Advanced Open Water certification dives. The Abrams is easy to navigate, provided divers identify and pay attention to the features of the wreck. Bottom gas of 36% EANx yields 40 minutes of BT with no decompression. Our Dive Operator in Hatteras is Captain JT Barker aboard the Under Pressure.