Loreto Bay National Park · Mexico · Wreck
C-54 Agustin Melgar wreck
A WWII minesweeper sunk for divers, with easy penetrations
The C-54 Agustin Melgar is a 55-metre former minesweeper (180 feet) sunk on purpose for divers close to the shore near the south end of Danzante. It lies between 11 m (35 ft) and 23 m (75 ft), its hull fully colonised by corals, groupers, snappers, rays and moray eels, with ample, easy penetrations and advanced training on offer.
Also known as Agustin Melgar, C-54.
Where it is and how deep
25.7689° N, 111.2525° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The boat takes divers close to the shore near the south end of Danzante, over the wreck of the minesweeper C-54 Agustin Melgar. Divers descend to the shallowest parts of the ship at around 11 m (35 ft). The hull is in good condition and fully colonised with corals, and groupers, snappers, rays and moray eels live around it.
The ship is 55 metres long (180 feet), and its deepest parts lie at 23 m (75 ft). It was prepared for divers and has some easy penetrations, and it is also used for advanced training.
The wreck
- Vessel
- C-54 Agustin Melgar
- Type
- Minesweeper and escort vessel
- Length
- 55 m (180 ft)
- Cause
- Sunk on purpose as a dive site
- Lies
- Close to the shore near the south end of Danzante, at 11–23 m
The Agustin Melgar served in the Second World War as an American minesweeper and escort vessel, and it was highly decorated during its service. It was sunk on purpose for divers close to the shore near the south end of Danzante, where its 55-metre hull (180 feet) is now fully colonised with corals and fish.
Marine life and season
- Groupers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Loreto Bay National Park: Mobula schools peak May to August, and summer brings the warmest, clearest water; winter north winds can keep boats in harbour.
Know before you go
- Penetrating the hull brings an overhead environment; divers without wreck training keep to the easy penetrations with a guide.
Dive videos
The wreck of the C-54 Agustin Melgar, Loreto BCS · Blue Nation Loreto BCS on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is the Agustin Melgar wreck in Loreto?+
The wreck lies between 11 m (35 ft) and 23 m (75 ft), close to the shore near the south end of Danzante.
Can divers penetrate the Agustin Melgar wreck?+
Yes. The ship was sunk on purpose for divers, and many of its penetrations are ample and easy; it is also used for advanced training.
Sources
- Loreto Bay National Park — Blue Nation Baja
- Diving — Blue Nation Baja
- Loreto Bay National Park (Blue Nation Baja, archived, with island map pins) — Blue Nation Baja
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