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Scuba Diving Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands
Reader Reviews:
Dive Site: USS Anderson
Location: Bikini Atoll, Marshall Isles
Description: Destroyer
Length:
Depth: 46 metres (151 feet) to top of wreck, seabed at 52 metres (170 feet)
Visibility: 20 - 25 metres (65 - 80 feet)
Rating: *****
The USS Anderson was cutting edge technology back in WWII and this can clearly be seen in the sleek, streamlined shape of this ship's bow, bridge and turrets. She lies on her side and is largely intact despite being savaged by the A-bomb tests. Her beam is extremely narrow so I imagine she would have been an uncomfortable ship in heavy seas. The ship is shot lined about midships and you are guided initially towards the stern to see the heavily populated depth charge racks and the propellers. Armed with 5" guns, as was standard on destroyers of this period, they can still be clearly seen along with multiple lighter calibre AA guns. She carried several torpedo tubes in quad format and these are still easily visible too.
Amidst the debris on the forward superstructure there is a compass binnacle and a collection of interesting artefacts has been gathered together for inspection upon the hull towards the bow close by steel ladder rungs welded onto her hull plates. Anderson had a somewhat jinxed career in that several ships she acted as escort to were sunk despite her best efforts! In keeping with her streamlining Anderson has small, circular portholes on a curved bridge. Another deep, air dive as is normal in Bikini Atoll.
Martin Frankcom, BSAC Advanced Instructor
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