Metal Madness: Vote for Your Favorite Wreck for Scuba Diving
Here at Scuba Diving magazine, the only thing we love more than exploring shipwrecks around the globe is arguing about which one is the best. And, thanks to our March Madness fever, we decided to bring our readers in on the fun. That's why we came up with Metal Madness, a fun way of settling which is the best shipwreck for divers to enjoy.
Scuba Diving Editors
It's simple: We're going to post a photo on our Facebook page at 2 p.m. every day for the next four days with two wrecks. You can vote for your favorite using the LOVE or WOW reaction. At noon on March 16, we'll cut off Round 1 voting, and get ready to go for Round 2 of Metal Madness, aka the final four. Of course, we couldn't include every wreck in the world. Did we snub your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and we'll work to include it next year.
Take a look below at the first round and get ready to vote!
READ MORE: The 25 Best Wrecks in U.S. Waters
The Jake Seaplane (Palau) vs. USAT Liberty
iStockphotoWhich is your favorite?
Here's a showdown of two Pacific Ocean favorites: the Jake seaplane in Palau and the Liberty in Bali. The Jake is known as an epic photo subject, as it's still nearly intact from World War II resting on a coral head in about 45 feet. The Liberty, a former WWII cargo ship rests close to shore, where it's covered in colorful soft corals today.
WINNER: Jake Seaplane
Thistlegorm vs. Nippo Maru
iStockphotoWhich is your favorite?
Both of these wrecks are full of remnants from World War II, producing classic images of wreck diving at its finest. The Nippo Maru is found in Truk Lagoon, a wreck diving hot spot in the Caroline Islands. The Thistlegorm, a Royal Navy merchant ship sunk near Ras Muhammad, Egypt, in the Red Sea in 1941, is still stocked with motorcycles, cars and more.
WINNER: Thistlegorm
Oriskany vs. Kittiwake
David Benz; iStockphotoWhich is your favorite?
The Mighty O is a massive aircraft carrier purpose-sunk off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, in 2006. But it may not be as famous as the Kittiwake, another purpose-sunk wreck that can be found close to Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach.
WINNER: Oriskany
Captain Keith Tibbetts vs. Ray of Hope
Mary Frances Emmons; Courtesy photoWhich is your favorite?
The Captain Keith Tibbetts, 330-foot-long Russian frigate that was scuttled off the coast of Cayman Brac, is notable for it's firepower and size. But it's not quite as sharky as the purpose-sunk Ray of Hope, which can be found off New Providence Island in the Bahamas and is the site of a shark-feeding dive.
WINNER: Ray of Hope
ROUND 2
Jake Seaplane vs. Thistlefgorm
iStockphotoJake seaplane vs. Thistlegorm
David Benz; courtesy photoOriskany vs. Ray of Hope
David Benz; iStockphotoOriskany vs. Thistlegorm
iStockphotoSS Thistlegorm
Read more about the history of this beloved shipwreck here.