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SS Chaparra (Offshore Barge) aka Chappara
 Barnegat Light, NJ
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Max Depth: 81-90ft/25-27m
Average Viz: 16-20ft/5-6m
Entry Type: Boat
Bottom Composition: Sand
Aquatic Life: Might See Something
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Rating: 3.50 by 6 divers
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SS Chaparra (Offshore Barge) aka Chappara is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Barnegat Light, NJ. This dive site has an average rating of 3.50 out of 5 from 6 scuba divers. The maximum depth is 81-90ft/25-27m. The average visibility is 16-20ft/5-6m.
Type: Freighter, Cuba
Name: a seaport in northeastern Cuba
also Spanish for "cowboy" or slang for "shorty"
Built: 1906, Scotland, as Tinhow
Specs: ( 249 x 38 ft ) 1510 gross tons, 29 crew
Sunk: October 27, 1918 - struck a mine laid by U-117 - 6 casualties
Today the Chaparra lies in 80 ft of water on a sandy bottom. Her hull lies on its port side, and is flattened out. The bow offers the most relief off the bottom. Her boilers and engine still visible, some portions covered by large hull plates. She is generally a good lobster wreck. Artifacts can still be found, digging is usually needed. She is sometimes called the Offshore Barge. A mine from the U-117 also sank the San Saba.
The steel hulled Cuban freighter Chaparra built in 1906 was 249 feet long, had a 38 foot beam and displaced 1,510 tons.
On October 27, 1918the Chaparra was en-route from Havanna to New York with a cargo of sugar. Like the San Saba she hit a mine laid by the U-117. The Chaparra went down fast. Twenty three of her crew survived but the vessel did take six to a watery grave. The survivors rowed for almost a day before reaching Barnegate Light.
Today the wreck, which is also known as the Offshore Barge, sits on her port side, in 90 feet of water. According to diver Dave Keller the wreck has a debris field running the length of the wreck and is usually an excellent lobster dive. The bow offers the most relief off the bottom. Her boilers and engine still visible, some portions covered by large hull plates. Artifacts can still be found, digging is usually needed.