Comberbach and Sunseeker Wreck
Channel: jfmtl
Date: 2015-05-24

Cape Santa Maria, Long Island, Bahamas

Comberbach a 110' steel freighter, sitting upright on a 100' deep coral reef/shelf with lots of coral, sponge and fish life.

The MV Comberbach was a 103 foot, British, steel hulled freighter built in 1948. She was last operated by the Stella Maris Inn from 1980 through 1986 and then sunk in the summer of 1986 to form an artificial reef off Cape Santa Maria. She now rests in 100 feet of water off the west side of Long Island.

The vessel had been prepared for safe diver exploration prior to her sinking. For example, all of her compartments were opened allowing for easy and safe wreck penetration. There are usually no currents at the site, and water clarity is excellent. The Comberbach is sitting upright and intact. Some marine growth has already developed on her structure. Visibility at a norm is exceptionally good, so photographers naturally visit the site often. According to veteran diver J Friese, there is a family of six very tame Nassau Groupers living on the wreck. Joerg goes on to say that the top of the wreck, the roof, smoke stack, etc. is in 65 feet of water, and inside her cargo hold is a 1975 Ford, which was formerly a Bell Telephone utility van. Nearby are the remains of a 45 foot pleasure craft. Stella Maris Diving is also planning to sink another vessel on this site plus an aircraft.

The wreck can be safely dived throughout! Right next to the Comberbach is a 40' sailing vessel, the Sunseeker. Man-made wrecks are occasionally added to this "Ships' Graveyard" located just 1/2 mile from the beautiful Cape Santa Maria beach, on the lee side of Long Island.