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Wreck of the Mary Kay
Underwater photographers and videographers appreciate the bright natural light, and the vessel’s machinery make good photo props. There are a variety of fish that inhabit the area.
Constructed in 1957, the MARY KAY was a 55-foot, 35-ton tugboat powered by twin Murphy diesel engines. In 1988, the MARY KAY was purchased and re-fit by Salvage and Demolition Inc. of North Weymouth, Massachusetts. On September 21, 1988, the MARY KAY left Rochester, NY to begin her long journey to her new home in Boston.
Just west of Oswego harbor, two 9-foot waves crashed over her stern and filled the engine room. She listed and sank quickly. Aboard were the captain and engineer. Responding to a short radio call for help and phone calls from witnesses on land, the US Coast Guard cutter from Oswego headed out into the storm and rescued the two men. The City of Oswego Police Department awarded the USCG crew certificates of recognition for bravery.
The stern and midships of the MARY KAY sit upright on the rocky bottom. The bow section lays on its port side. The superstructure has crumbled and lays in a debris field immediately south of the wreck. A one to two-inch layer of zebra mussels coats the wreck and the surrounding geology. The two propellers, bollard posts, and twin diesel engines are exposed for inspection. Bass often school around the stern and eels can be observed during night dives.
Shallow depths and the absence of penetration areas make this a popular dive for newly certified divers. Experienced divers find the wreck very relaxing, allowing for detailed observation of vessel construction and longer site exploration, often not possible on deeper wrecks.
Photographers and videographers appreciate the bright natural light, and the vessel’s machinery make good photo props. There are a variety of fish that inhabit the area.
Diving is possible May through October. May to early June and late summer are the best times to dive.
The GPS coordinates for the MARY KAY are: N 43.27.705 W 76.33.198.
A maritime heritage educational guide to the wreck of the MARY KAY is available from the Oswego Maritime Foundation*, phone (315) 342-5753.
(Information/photo is courtesy of www.visitoswegocounty.com)
Just west of Oswego harbor, two 9-foot waves crashed over her stern and filled the engine room. She listed and sank quickly. Aboard were the captain and engineer. Responding to a short radio call for help and phone calls from witnesses on land, the US Coast Guard cutter from Oswego headed out into the storm and rescued the two men. The City of Oswego Police Department awarded the USCG crew certificates of recognition for bravery.
The stern and midships of the MARY KAY sit upright on the rocky bottom. The bow section lays on its port side. The superstructure has crumbled and lays in a debris field immediately south of the wreck. A one to two-inch layer of zebra mussels coats the wreck and the surrounding geology. The two propellers, bollard posts, and twin diesel engines are exposed for inspection. Bass often school around the stern and eels can be observed during night dives.
Shallow depths and the absence of penetration areas make this a popular dive for newly certified divers. Experienced divers find the wreck very relaxing, allowing for detailed observation of vessel construction and longer site exploration, often not possible on deeper wrecks.
Photographers and videographers appreciate the bright natural light, and the vessel’s machinery make good photo props. There are a variety of fish that inhabit the area.
Diving is possible May through October. May to early June and late summer are the best times to dive.
The GPS coordinates for the MARY KAY are: N 43.27.705 W 76.33.198.
A maritime heritage educational guide to the wreck of the MARY KAY is available from the Oswego Maritime Foundation*, phone (315) 342-5753.
(Information/photo is courtesy of www.visitoswegocounty.com)
Oswego, NY
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