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Dive 119: Fang Ming, Isla Espiritu Santo, BCS, MEX

Date: 22 June 2023

Latitude: 24°26'42.8"N

Longitude: 110°22'52.5"W

Dive Number: 119

Overview

Type: Ocean, Boat Dive (Panga)
Partner: Tobias N.

Fang Ming: Revenge of the Tortugas

Dove the Fang Ming, a Chinese fishing trawler that was confiscated and subsequently sunk by the Mexican Navy for illegal fshing and human trafficing. Wreck dive, max depth of 21.3 meters, bottom temperature 26 degrees. Landed in sandy bottom at 21.3 meters, starboard side of the wreck. Always odd to see a massive ship sitting on the bottom of the sea floor. Forward to the bow, covered in sea fans. Around the bow, down the port side and up to 18 meters. Penetrated the port side, moving athwartships, exiting the starboard. Interior encrusted, many fish. Torch on, Tobias expertly navigates his first wreck penetration. Re-enter the starboard side and begin to move aft through what was likely crew living space and fish processing area, many large fish hiding in the corners, schools for Cortez Rainbow Wrasse. Tobias, again expertly navigates a confined space with limited overhead. Exit onto the stern deck, cargo holds open. Turtles lounging on the aft deck now ownig the ship that once likley illegally hunted them. From the center of the aft deck over the port rail and forwad to the pilot-house, slowly peeking over the port rail we spot a massive, male, green sea-turtle. A green eel pokes its head out of a port hole. Through the port pilot house door, which is very tight, I get stuck for a moment. We have to go single file through the small pilot house. Many small Jewelled Moray Eels throughout the wreck living in pipes and crevases. Out the starboard pilot house door and to the bow, anchor windlass still intact, more sea turtles, one lounging on the bow mast-head, which we get to briefly swim with. Amazing dive.

Dive Details

Our Log of the Sea of Cortez

Maximum Depth: 21.3 meters
Bottom Time: 40 minutes
Dive Computer: Yes
Starting Pressure: 190 bar
Ending Pressure: 70 bar

Conditions

Visibility: 20 meters
Waves: None
Current: Medium
Surge: Light
Weather: Sunny
Air Temperature: 30°C
Surface Temperature: 28°C
Bottom Temperature: 26°C

Eqipment

Tank: Aluminum 80
Weight: 25 lbs
Wetsuit: Full suit (5mm)