Discover the SS El Capitan Wreck Dive Site in the Philippines

The SS El Capitan wreck dive site in the Philippines is a thrilling experience for adventure-seekers and history buffs alike. Located off the coast of Matnog, Sorsogon, this dive site is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the country's rich maritime heritage.

The SS El Capitan was a passenger-cargo ship that sank in 1979 after colliding with a reef, resulting in the loss of 4 lives. This tragic event has made the wreck site a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by those who travel by sea.

As a dive site, the SS El Capitan offers a unique and challenging experience. The wreck lies at a depth of 18 meters, making it accessible to intermediate to advanced divers.

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The SS El Capitan was a well-designed ship, with a sturdy construction that allowed it to withstand rough seas. The ship's engineer, A. S. Hebble, designed it as a single screw vessel with three complete steel decks on a transverse framing system.

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Watertight bulkheads were strategically placed throughout the ship to prevent water from flooding in case of an emergency. These bulkheads extended to the main deck at the forepeak, between #1 and #2 holds, aft the engine room, and after peak.

The ship's propulsion system was a triple-expansion steam engine, which provided a reliable source of power. The engine was designed to operate at 75 revolutions per minute, with steam provided by two oil-burning Scotch marine boilers.

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The El Capitan was designed to be a single screw ship with three complete steel decks on a transverse framing system. This design choice would have provided a sturdy foundation for the ship's cargo.

A. S. Hebble, the line's engineer, played a crucial role in designing the El Capitan and its sister ship, El Almirante. Hebble's expertise ensured that the ships were well-suited for their intended purpose.

Watertight bulkheads were a key feature of the El Capitan's design, extending to the main deck at various points throughout the ship. These bulkheads were designed to provide an extra layer of safety in case of an emergency.

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The El Capitan's propulsion system consisted of a triple-expansion steam engine with a specific set of dimensions. The engine's diameter was 24.25 inches, 41.5 inches, and 72 inches, with a 48-inch stroke designed for 75 revolutions per minute.

The steam engine was designed to work in conjunction with two oil-burning Scotch marine boilers. These boilers provided the steam needed to power the engine and propel the ship at a speed of 11 knots when fully loaded.

The Panamanian Steam Merchant, El Capitan, was a significant vessel in its time. It was completed in 1917 at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co in Virginia, with a tonnage of 5,255 tons.

The El Capitan was built for Southern Pacific Co Inc, New York, but was later acquired by the US Navy as a cargo transport, USS El Capitan (ID # 1407), for the Naval Overseas Transportation Service. It made four transatlantic voyages between 1918 and 1919.

Here are some key specifications of the El Capitan:

The El Capitan had a storied history, including being sunk by a U-boat in 1942.

The SS El Capitan has a rich and complex history that's worth exploring.

The ship was launched on August 4, 1917, and its precise launch date is disputed among sources, with some citing August 18 and others September 21.

El Capitan was taken over by the US War Shipping Administration in June 1941 and was later transferred to Panamanian registry in October 1941.

Before World War II, El Capitan was part of Arctic convoy PQ 17, which was dispersed on July 4, 1942.

The ship suffered a ruptured hull and engine room flooding after being attacked by Ju 88 aircraft on July 9, 1942.

In 1919, the ship was constructed in Portland, Oregon, and was originally named the SS Meriden.

The ship's name was changed to USS Majaba in April 1942, and it was commissioned immediately.

El Capitan's first deployment saw it completing supply missions between Hawaii and Islands in the South Pacific.

The ship was struck by a torpedo fired from the Japanese submarine "HA-11" on November 7, 1942, while unloading supplies at Lunga Point, Guadalcanal.

The ship was beached at the mouth of the Tenaru River and later repaired at Tulagi in the Soloman Islands.

El Capitan was officially struck off the Navy ship list in 1946 and was delivered to the War Declaration Administration to be returned to its original owners.

The ship was awarded one battle star for service in World War II.

The SS El Capitan was a significant ship in its time, and understanding its technical specifications can give us a glimpse into its capabilities.

The El Capitan had a displacement of 5070 tons, a substantial size that would have required a lot of resources to maintain.

Its propulsion system consisted of a steam boiler with a single propellor, a straightforward design that would have been common for ships of its era.

This combination allowed the El Capitan to reach a respectable speed of 12 knots, which would have been impressive for a ship of its size.

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The El Capitan is an impressive vessel, and its technical specifications are quite notable. Its displacement is a significant 5070 tons.

The propulsion system is quite straightforward, relying on a steam boiler to drive a single propellor. This design allows for efficient movement through the water.

The El Capitan can reach a respectable speed of 12 knots, making it a capable vessel for its size.

Divers of all levels can enjoy the SS El Capitan wreck site, thanks to Camayan Divers.

The wreck lies on its port side in a maximum depth of 22m, with the starboard side only 4m below the surface.

This makes it an ideal spot for new divers to explore, with good visibility and no current.

This wreck site is also suitable for photography, with the intact structure and shallow depth allowing for clear shots.

You can swim inside her massive forward and rear holds, giving you a unique perspective on the wreck.

If you're trained and equipped, you can even penetrate into her cavernous boiler room, a thrilling experience for wreck specialists.

The combination of good conditions and intact structure makes this one of the best dive sites for novice wreck divers.