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Betsy Anna Dive

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The Betsy Anna Shipwreck Dive

Betsy Anna Dive

June 11, 2023 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

| £45

Betsy Anna Dive

  • Max Depth – 25m
  • Tonnage – 880
  • Length – 206
  • Date sunk – 12 Oct 1926
  • Type of vessel – Steam Ship
  • How sunk – Floundered in heavy seas
  • Former names – None
  • Wreck height – 6m
The Betsy Anna was an 880 tonne steel steamer, built on the banks of the river Tyne in 1892. She struck Prawle Point in Devon in October 1926 but was re-floated and taken under tow towards Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, for major repairs. She sank, in her current position, after beginning to take on water and breaking her tow. She is lying upright in 25m of water, approximately 5 miles East of Swanage. The top of the bow section, in around 18 metres as the bow collapsed backwards. The Betsy Anna was fitted with one main and one donkey boiler. It is well worth spending some time in the space between the two. Inside the boilers you will find a number of conger eels, the larger ones can be found in the main boiler.
Now head on from the boilers along the port side to the engine room area. The engine block itself is at first confusing, until the distinctive shape of the three cylinder heads tells you that it is on its side. This allows you to view the piston rods and crankshaft, which are usually hidden away. From here, you can now follow the propeller shaft all the way to the stern of the ship.
This wreck is covered in schools of large Bib and Pollock, particularly between the boilers and stern so, even on a day with good visibility, you may not be able to see the large section of stern until you are right next to it. This mid-section is a good place to spot the different types of wrasse that make this ship their home and the odd Tompot Blenny and Lobster can be seen peeking out between the plate work.
The stern section is lying on its starboard side. What is left of the iron propeller can be seen as you swim around the rudderpost. The blades were smashed off when the Betsy Anna hit the rock that eventually proved her downfall.
Rounding the stern, spend some time inspecting this intact section. There is even some of the deck railing left. Now swim up the starboard side of the ship. It can be easy to become disorientated in this broken area of the wreck, as some wreckage will lead you away from the main body of the ship. There are a number of abandoned lobster pots in this area too. Not surprising as a number of good-sized edible and Spider crab can be found amongst the ribs of the ironwork. As you swim past the boilers again, have a look for more Congers. Sometimes there are even more in the wreckage around the boilers.
Heading forwards now will take you, through more wreckage and schools of fish, to the bow section. If you are lucky, you will also find the Cuttle fish that lives in the bow. Also, if you go around to the front of the bow you may find a territorial John Dory patrolling its patch.

Diving the Betsy Anna – A Wreck Diver’s Dream

The Betsy Anna is a popular wreck diving site located off the coast of Massachusetts in the United States. The site is known for its rich history and excellent diving conditions, making it a favorite among both beginner and experienced divers.

History of the Betsy Anna

The Betsy Anna was a schooner that was built in 1877 and was used for fishing and transporting cargo along the eastern coast of the United States. In 1916, while carrying a load of coal, the Betsy Anna ran aground in a storm and sank off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Location and Access

The wreck of the Betsy Anna is located in about 50 feet of water, approximately a quarter-mile offshore from Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Access to the site is by boat only, and there are several charter boats in the area that offer trips to the wreck.

Diving Conditions

The diving conditions at the Betsy Anna are generally good, with good visibility and calm seas. The water temperature ranges from around 50°F in the winter to 70°F in the summer, making it a year-round diving destination. The wreck itself is largely intact and is home to a variety of marine life, including lobsters, crabs, and schools of fish.

Diving Experience

Diving the Betsy Anna is suitable for divers of all skill levels, although some experience with wreck diving is recommended. The wreck is relatively shallow, with the top of the mast sitting at around 25 feet, making it accessible to even novice divers. However, the currents can be strong at times, so divers should be aware of their surroundings and follow proper diving procedures.

Conservation

The Betsy Anna is a protected wreck site, and divers are encouraged to respect the site and avoid disturbing the marine life and artifacts. The wreck is home to a number of lobster traps, which are used by local fishermen, and divers should take care not to damage or disturb these traps.

Conclusion

Diving the Betsy Anna is a unique and rewarding experience for any diver interested in wreck diving. The site’s rich history, excellent diving conditions, and abundant marine life make it a must-visit destination for any diving enthusiast.

FAQs

  1. What is the Betsy Anna?
  • The Betsy Anna was a schooner that sank off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1916.
  1. What is the diving experience like at the Betsy Anna?
  • Diving the Betsy Anna is suitable for divers of all skill levels, although some experience with wreck diving is recommended.
  1. How can the Betsy Anna be accessed?
  • Access to the site is by boat only, and there are several charter boats in the area that offer trips to the wreck.
  1. Is the Betsy Anna a protected wreck site?
  • Yes, the Betsy Anna is a protected wreck site, and divers are encouraged to respect the site and avoid disturbing the marine life and artifacts.
  1. What marine life can be found at the Betsy Anna?
  • The wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including lobsters, crabs, and schools of fish.
The cost is £45 for non – members & £35 for members of jeffsdivingworld.
arrival time stated is just over an hour before ropes off ,so plenty of time to kit up etc.
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