Gb Church Dive Site
GB Church Wreck (British Columbia)
Wreck Dive Site
Dive Type: GB Church, Sydney
A 175 ft (53 metre) 530 ton coastal freighter, the GB Church was built in 1943 in Goole, England and initially served in World War II as a as a munitions carrier for World War II. She was part of the D-Day landings. To protect the cargo, fuel and water tanks were built around the hold instead of in the bottom as in other freighters. Bill Church, who owned the ship for most of this period renamed the ship after his father, George Bennett Church. The GB Church was sunk within the Princess Margaret Marine Park off Portland Island near Sidney on August 11, 1991 (48° 43.323 N, 123° 21.339 W). Preparation of the ship included stripping the ship down to the steel, cutting holes for diver access and removing any hazardous obstacles.
The sinking site was chosen for its close proximity to local dive shop operators and for its flat sandy bottom on which to land the ship. All coast guard and navigation requirements were also met by this location. On the sandy bottom ,the ship quickly became overcome with rich marine life, including octopus and wolf eels and, today, is a testimonial to the positive environmental impact that artificial reefs have on the marine ecosystem.
She lies on an even keel in 90 feet of water. The top of her aft mast is at 30 feet and the forward mast is at 20 feet. Her keel lies at about 27 meters (90 feet). She is now festooned with a diverse population of invertebrates and fish. Large lingcod and octopus can often be found under the ship. The ocean floor around the ship is carpeted with shrimp, as are the decks. Forests of plumose anemones are to be found under the bow and in the bridge. The elusive spiny lump sucker is frequently seen scurrying along the rails. Giant nudibranchs feed on the anemones hanging from the ceiling in the galley. As a maturing artificial reef the ship is taking on the character of a natural reef. The mast at the bow provides loads to look at during your safety stop. Mooring buoys allow for easy descent-ascent. Excluding spring tide's, this site can be done most of the time.
Visibility: 12 m (35 feet)
Depth: 5m (15 feet) to 27m (90 feet)
Marine Life: large lingcod, quill back and copper rock, teeming with colorful marine life
Address
Sidney
Directions
North of Victoria, on Highway 17 near Victoria International Airport and Swartz Bay, the BC Ferry Terminal bringing cars between Vancouver Island and the lower mainland, is the quaint, seaside town of Sidney, British Columbia. Situated at Latitude 48.653 Longitude 123.4065; 48-39.1 N / 123-23.5 W.
No comments yet.
Leave a comment/rating for GB Church Wreck
Want to tell us your thoughts on GB Church Wreck?
Register now or login to your account to be able to leave comments on dive sites
