Dive the Sherman Shipwreck with Coastal Scuba in SC
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good health with basic swimming ability and comfort in open water at moderate depths.
Overview
Dive 55 feet beneath North Myrtle Beach’s waters to uncover the Sherman, a Civil War-era shipwreck rich in history and marine life. Coastal Scuba offers an unforgettable dive for all skill levels.
The Sherman - Civil War Era Shipwreck
2 Tank Dive | $110 | Former Blockade Runner - Sitting in 52 Feet of Water
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Dive into history at the Princess Royal, a sunken blockade runner from 1861. Explore the wreck of the Sherman, resting 55 feet below the surface, where divers of all skill levels can uncover tales of naval battles and a dramatic sinking. Experience an unforgettable underwater adventure rich in maritime lore.
Our Most Popular Dive Site!
Built in 1861, the Princess Royal (now Sherman) was 196′ long and made for running the blockades of the south. She was captured trying to run the blockade of Charleston on January 29, 1863, with a cargo of engines to be utilized in the Confederate Navy.
The vessel was sold to the US Navy and became a blockader, serving in the Gulf of Mexico. The USS Princess Royal participated in capturing 9 vessel during the war.
After the war, the ship was sold to the William F. Weld Company and renamed the Sherman.
She was carrying cargo down the Atlantic Coastline when she sprang a leak on January 6, 1874. For three days, the men worked round the clock to stem the flow and remove the water that accumulated.
Heading to port under tow, the Sherman “made a lunge head foremost and disappeared beneath the waves,” just after dark on January 10th.
The Sherman sits at a depth of 55 feet to the sand and is a fantastic location for divers of all skill levels.**
Duration
½ Day
Adventure Tips
Verify Your Certification Level
Ensure you have the necessary scuba certification as the Sherman wreck dive involves navigation and managing mid-depth conditions.
Check Dive Conditions
Water visibility and currents can vary; confirm local conditions with Coastal Scuba before your dive day for the safest experience.
Bring a Dive Light
Though the wreck lies in relatively shallow water, having a dive light helps illuminate darker recesses of the ship.
Respect the Wreck Site
Avoid disturbing the fragile remains and artifacts; practice buoyancy control to protect this underwater historical site.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sheepshead fish
- Tautog (blackfish)
History
The Sherman, once the Princess Royal, served as both Confederate blockade runner and Union naval vessel before sinking in 1874 under tow.
Conservation
Coastal Scuba actively promotes 'leave no trace' diving, helping preserve the Sherman wreck site through diver education and sustainable practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Myrtle Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Full Wet Suit
Provides protection from cooler water temperatures and improves buoyancy control.
fall specific
Dive Light
Essential for illuminating shadowed areas within the wreck and enhancing detail visibility.
Surface Marker Buoy
Increases diver safety by marking your location for boats during the dive.
Dive Computer
Tracks depth and bottom time to help manage dive profiles and avoid decompression sickness.