5 Shipwrecks to Explore Along the Outer Banks Coast

By Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Sep. 29, 2024

With nearly 3,000 shipwrecks, North Carolina's Outer Banks are some of the best places in the world to experience wrecked ships and their history.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is widely known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Estimates now approach 2,000 shipwrecks scattered along these barrier islands, with wreck history reaching back to the earliest English settlements in America.

Just offshore from Cape Hatteras ran an early ocean superhighway. Wherever vessels traveled for trade, exploration and transportation, mishaps followed. Overnight passages, rough weather, navigational mistakes and hidden underwater shoals all helped shape the long record of OBX shipwreck history, along with wartime losses. Today, wrecks may occasionally be revealed on the beach, and for snorkeling and scuba diving, there’s no better place on the East Coast.

Several of these wreck sites may be reached by swimming, SUPing, kayaking or scuba diving. Explore only when conditions are appropriate, using suitable floatation devices and location markers. Swim with a buddy, remain aware of your surroundings and keep beach safety guidance in mind. For another perspective, consider an air tour that offers a bird’s-eye look at these wrecks along the extended coastline.

The Huron

The Huron rests near the Bladen Street beach access in the Nags Head area around Milepost 11/12. Among the Outer Banks’ better-known beach dives, this wreck sits north of Nags Head Fishing Pier. It lies roughly 200 yards from shore and is typically identified with buoys during the summer months, which makes it easier to locate.

When the water is clear, swimmers and divers can investigate the wreck in about 20 feet of water. Moving from bow to stern, snorkelers may spot cannonball storage racks, the propeller and rudder, and the boiler. Marine life surrounds the site, while shifting sand regularly covers and exposes different sections.

The Huron went down on November 24, 1877, during her first night at sea while traveling toward Havana, Cuba. Strong wind, rain and a defective compass led The Huron to run aground. Together with her two sister ships, The Huron was the last naval vessel in America to be built from iron rather than steel, while also carrying sails to assist the large steam engines onboard.

"The Triangle Wrecks"

"The Triangle Wrecks" sit near the Second St. beach access in the Kill Devil Hills area around Milepost 7. Two vessels ran ashore at the same spot, separated by two years.

The first sinking occurred in December of 1927, when The Kyzickes went down. The Kyzickes was a tanker traveling to Spain with crude oil aboard when a storm overtook it. High winds forced the ship to take on water and eventually ruined the boiler tubes. In 1929, the Carl Gerhard also grounded in that exact location, cutting through the remains of The Kyzickes.

Below the surface, wreckage including a boiler can still be seen. The debris forms a “triangle” shape in about 15-20 feet of water. Pieces from both wrecks begin around 100 yards offshore and extend out to about 250 yards.

The Oriental

The Oriental shipwreck is positioned three miles south of the new Basnight Bridge over Oregon Inlet, directly across from Pea Island Visitor Center. Also called “The Boiler Wreck,” The Oriental is recognizable because its steam engine rises from the water and looks like a boiler.

The site is about 100 yards from the beach in 15-20 feet of water, depending on tides, and the area has strong currents. The wreck lies perpendicular to the shoreline, with the bow aimed toward land. This 210’ federal transport taker sank on May 16, 1862. Small boats are often nearby fishing around the site, so using a dive flag is strongly recommended.

The Pocahontas

Farther south, beyond the Northern Beaches and into Hatteras Island, lies The Pocahontas. This wreck is off Sand Street in Salvo and has also sometimes been known as “The Richmond.”

The site is easy to reach by using Ramp 23 and driving north until the paddle-wheel shaft can be seen rising from the water. During the summer months, the National Park Service may close the beach to vehicles, though walking is still allowed.

The remains of The Pocahontas are only 75 yards offshore in water about 10-15 feet deep. This paddle-wheel steamer was lost during the Civil War as part of the Burnside Expedition before the "Battle for Roanoke Island."

"The Winks Wreck"

"The Winks Wreck" lies near Milepost 2 in the Kitty Hawk area, just off Luke Street. It rests in approximately 15-20 feet of water about 120 yards from shore.

Local residents gave the site the name "The Winks Wreck" because it is near the Winks Store, located just off the beach road at Eckner St. The wreck area is relatively small, so it can be a bit harder to locate than some of the other sites. High tide timing and good water visibility are important for finding this vessel.

The ship’s history has not been officially verified, though some believe it may be the British Steamer Mountainer from Liverpool.

Roanoke Island Outfitters/Dive Center and Dive Hatteras are additional resources for diving information and equipment rentals on the Outer Banks.