The Night Dive Part 1

So last Thursday, May the 20th, I did something I never thought in a million years that I would do. I got on a boat and headed 18 miles offshore to go diving with sharks at night. I went on the Aquatic Safaris 1, a 48' Island Hopper. Leaving the dock at 5:30 pm, I was a bit nervous. This dive was to be part of my Advanced Open Water PADI certification. The plan was to do the first dive before it got dark, which was to be a deep dive. After an hour long surface interval and watching the sunset over the ocean we were to do our night dive.

 The dive site was the Hyde, which was sunk by the NC Division of Marine Fisheries as part of the artificial reef program in 1988. Built in 1945 as an ocean going hopper dredge, the Hyde is 215' long. It's primary purpose was to keep waterway open for naval vessels. Being built during wartime it is one of the few dredges to have armor and gun crews on it. The Hyde saw service in the Atlantic and Pacific. Now she rests in 85 feet of water sitting upright making it one of the most spectacular dive sites in the area.

 Our first dive was planned to go to the sand, which my computer clocked at 82', then swim around the deck of the ship before making our way back to the anchor line and slowly surface. The visibility was in the 60 foot range. Immediately entering the water you could see the top of the structure from the surface 55' below. I was the first to get down the anchor line and get to the wreck. The amount of life was incredible! I was in awe! Waiting for the rest of our group I scanned the area for what I knew was there but no sighting yet. Once the rest of the divers joined up with me, we swam over the edge and dropped down to the sand. Brad showed us how the light does not penetrate enough to make out colors. He shined his light on the side of the wreck which lit up the corals in beautiful colors. 

 Heading for the stern of the ship we were greeted by a massive school of Amberjacks. The fish were all 20 lbs. and up! After letting the school pass we turned the corner and swam behind the stern, immediately I saw a Gag Grouper. Then gazing right I saw my first Sand Tiger Shark. He wasn't too big maybe four feet. He was beautiful, so graceful and calm. Unforgettable!

 Having to get to a shallower depth before we went into decompression time, we went up to the deck of the ship, which was around 60'. More sharks were waiting. Again amazingly graceful and calm, they did not seem to be bothered by us strangers at all. I hovered over the biggest one, which was maybe 6', for what seemed like an eternity. Sharks are the most misunderstood creatures on the planet. The beauty of these animals is incredible. I will never forget looking into the eyes of what used to be my greatest fear, and dare I say enemy...

 Upon surfacing we discussed our experiences, watched the sunset, and got seasick. Night was upon us. Time to go back underwater with the sharks. Stay tuned for The Night Dive Part 2. Thanks for Reading!