Page 241 - The British Big Four

V Comberbach Wreck – 15 minutes by boat and is a 110-foot MS Conqueror Wreck - Of significant historical interest is the
wreck of HMS Conqueror. The Conqueror was the first steam-
M freighter. The ship’s propeller is cloaked in a brilliant crimson
Hencrusting sponge that makes for stunning wide-angle images and
which attracts spiraling schools of jacks above its superstructure. powered warship commissioned into service with the British Navy.

The MV Comberbach was a 103 foot, British, steel hulled freighter A steam-and-sail hybrid, the ship hit corals off the south end of

built in 1948. She was last operated by the Stella Maris Inn from Conception Island in 1848 and sank, fortunately without the loss of

1980 through 1986 and then sunk in the summer of 1986 to form any of the crew. The ship is no longer recognizable, but its rubble

an artificial reef off Cape Santa Maria. She now rests in 100 feet of pile includes canons and canon balls, a propeller shaft, an engine,

water off the west side of Long Island. The vessel had been prepared and petrified planking. The Conqueror sits at 25’ depth on the south

for safe diver exploration prior to her sinking. For example, all of her shore of Rum Cay. The site includes lots of hardware, cannon balls,

compartments were opened allowing for easy and safe wreck pen- 2 cannons, anchors, chain, shaft, and engine from this first steam

etration. There are usually no currents at the site, and water clar- engine equipped war sailing vessel of the British Navy.

ity is excellent. The Comberbach is sitting upright and intact. Some
marine growth has already developed on her structure. Visibility at
o Name Wrecks - This unidentified shipwreck is known as the
Na norm is exceptionally good, so photographers naturally visit the No Name Wreck. The name was originated by photo journalist

site often. According to veteran diver J Friese, there is a family of Stephen Frink. Steve had photographed, and written an article on

six very tame Nassau Groupers living on the wreck. Joerg goes on the area referring to the site as “No Nome Wreck”, and since then

to say that the top of the wreck, the roof, smoke stack, etc. is in 65 the name has stuck. This wreck is assumed by some to be the H.M.S.

feet of water, and inside her cargo hold is a 1975 Ford, which was Southhampton. The Southhampton was a 32 gun English Frigate

formerly a Bell Telephone utility van. Nearby are the remains of a that wrecked on a reef under the command on Captain Sir James Lu-

45 foot pleasure craft. Stella Maris Diving is also planning to sink cas Yeo on November 27, l8l2. The wreck was located when spotted

another vessel on this site plus an aircraft. The wreck can be safe- from an airplane being flown by Stella Maris Diving. It was first dove

ly dived throughout Right next to the Comberbach is a 40’ sailing back in 1970 and appears. The wreck is flattened and scattered out

vessel, the Sunseeker. Man-made wrecks are occasionally added to except for her boilers, engine frame, piston, and crank shaft which

this “Ships’ Graveyard” located just 1/2 mile from the beautiful Cape can still be recognized.

Santa Maria beach, on the lee side of Long Island.