About Who's Been Here Photos Revisions Normannia Wilmington, NC More Info Max Depth: 91-100ft/28-30m Average Viz: 51-60ft/16-18m Entry Type: Boat Bottom Composition: Sand Aquatic Life: Plenty To See Rating: 4.33 by 6 divers View All 6 Members 8/29/2009 5:11 PM

Normannia is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Wilmington, NC. This dive site has an average rating of 4.33 out of 5 from 6 scuba divers. The maximum depth is 91-100ft/28-30m. The average visibility is 51-60ft/16-18m.

The Danish freighter, Normannia, served less than thirty years before meeting its demise on the Frying Pan Shoals forty miles offshore of southern North Carolina. The Normannia is a 312 ft. long freighter that was over taken by rough seas in 1924. It was carrying a load of mahogany logs from Jamaica to Charleston SC. It sunk in 110 ft of water 35 miles southeast of Masonboro Inlet. Now the wreck sits upright on the bottom. The 80+ years the wreck has been on the ocean floor has left a shell behind. The outline of the wreck is clearly visible with it structure collapsing in on itself. The boilers, engine room, bow and stern remain somewhat intact and comprise the major structure of the wreck. The Normannia is an incredible dive. Because it is so far offshore it is bathed in blue water most of the time. Visibility averages around 60 ft but vis in excess of 100 ft is not uncommon. The blue water also brings in a host of tropical marine life. Animals that are not supposed to be this far north are not uncommon. Spanish and Cuban hogfish, coney’s, graysby’s, and hamlets can be seen along with the common fish associated with offshore wrecks. This is one of my favorite dive’s off our coast.

Name: NORMANNIAType: Freighter

Date Sunk: 1/17/24Cause: Foundered

Size (ft.): 312 x 45 x 20Tonnage: 2,654 tons

Propulsion: Coal-fired steamLocation: N33° 51.552’/W77° 09.373’

DIVING NOTES:Diving Depths: 90-110 ft.Current: slight to moderateVisibility: Usually in excess in 60 feetSummer Temperature:low 80s in summerPoints of Interest: Intact bow and stern with high relief; two boilers, engine; rudder and propeller and spare propeller; port and starboard anchors;Fish/Animal Life: The usually NC marine animals inhabit this wreck - amberjacks, spadefish, baitfish and barracudas. This wreck also seems to be inhabited with many species which inhabit more tropical waters - angelfish, lobster, african pampano, hogfish, etc.Description:The Normannia is one of the prettiest wrecks off of North Carolina. Generally, it lies on it keel and is contiguous. The bow and stern are relatively intact and provide the greatest relief. The middle section is flat and open. The wreck site is easy to navigate on and wreck can be covered in one dive with a little bit of concentration. Old bottles are still being found at various parts of this wreck.PHOTOS:
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995 by Paul M. HudyEngine and boilersRick and Hank on the bowEngineBowJoe comes out of the sternBoiler detailSpare propellerWindless and wreckage, aft of engineRudder and propellerStarboard anchor, bow
http://www.nc-wreckdiving.com/WRECKS/NORMANNIA/NORMANNIA.HTML

http://www.wilmingtondiving.com/normannia.shtml

Web site for videos of various wreck sites in the area-
http://www.olympusdiving.com/PhotoGallery/VideoGallery/tabid/115/Default.aspx